Over 4,000 people die at the hands of junta since coup: AAPP

By Admin 02 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
2 January 2024, Sittwe

A total of 4,273 people have died at the hands of the military regime over the past three years or so from February 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said in a report on Monday.

Among the victims were 705 women and 505 children, according to the AAPP, which reported that 1,574 people died in military custody.

Among the victims are people from all walks of life including those involved in the Spring Revolution, politicians, students, and members of social organisations. Around 700 victims still can’t be identified, said the AAPP.

“Since the coup, the regime has committed human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, arson attacks, torture and aerial bombings daily. Those acts blatantly violate international laws including international human rights law,” an AAPP member told DMG.

According to the AAPP, 1,360 people died at the hands of the regime in 2021; 1,319 people in 2022 and 1,594 people in 2023. Sagaing Region had the largest number of victims killed by the regime.

Politicians say a significant increase in civilian casualties is due to the junta’s increased reliance on air and artillery support.

Political analyst U Than Soe Naing said: “The military council has increasingly engaged in artillery attacks and aerial bombings. Those operations inevitably increase civilian casualties.”

The regime will continue to commit human rights violations until it is completely defeated, said U Than Soe Naing.

In previous pro-democracy uprisings, the Myanmar military also carried out brutal crackdowns on civilians. Human rights violations are worst under the current regime led by Min Aung Hlaing, said politicians.

An 88 Generation student leader said: “For the people to fully enjoy human rights and democracy, we must be able to form a government freely. This can happen only when the repressive system of the military has been abolished. So, it is crucial to oust the military leaders.”

The regime has lost control of at least 16 towns in Sagaing and Magwe regions and Chin and Shan states since the launch of Operation 1027 in late October. More than 400 junta outposts have also fallen across the country.