Nay Pyi Taw February 10
The country is currently seeing protests in some large cities, and as it is assumed that disturbances can deteriorate the State peace and stability, public security, the rule of law and community peace and trigger melees, Article 144 of Criminal Procedure has been imposed with the prohibition of any gatherings of five or more persons.
Despite the imposition, around 150 protestors have been shouting slogans, inciting protests and causing disturbances near Thabyegon roundabout in Zabuthiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area since the morning of 9 February.
Therefore, members of Myanmar Police Force requested the crowd to disperse, but they didn’t. Instead, over 1,000 protestors came to gather chanting slogans, inciting more protests and causing disturbances. So, the district administrator and township administrator warned again through loudspeakers that they were to disperse as Article 144 is in effect.
Although officials severally warmed the demonstrators to abide by the law as Article 144 is in effect, the protestors raised their acts to unrests without dispersing themselves till the afternoon. When measures were started to disperse the large crowd of protestors in accord with the prescribed procedures, they reacted committing violent acts such as using catapults and throwing bricks, sticks and nuts that can cause serious wounds. As the protestors did aggressive acts against police members at about 12.30 pm, the police members had to shoot inevitably. Six protestors were wounded and the crowd dispersed at about 1.30 pm.
In the incident, 28 members of Myanmar Police Force were also injured and police equipment destroyed by the violent attacks while two protectors were injured.