Over 1000 civilians killed by Myanmar military since coup in Feb: Rights Group

An activist group in Myanmar said that the military has killed over 1,000 civilians since the coup in February that ousted State Counsellor Aung San SuuKyi.

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group that verifies the deaths and mass arrests under the military regime, said that the security forces have killed 1,006 so far, reported The Guardian.

AAPP's joint secretary, Ko Bo Gyi said that the military will continue to kill youths, professionals (teachers and doctors), men, women, and children as long as they are in power. He added that the military is not only killing lives but Myanmar's future and democratic hopes.

The lightning coup that arrested democratically chosen leader Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power had triggered dissent and protests across the country. The military has been using live rounds against civilians to suppress the protests. However, anti-junta mobs have formed self-defence groups and are taking to the streets in flash marches.

Aung San Suu Kyi is being trialled for criminal charges from possessing illegal walkie-talkies to violating the state secrets act. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the army, was installed as the prime minister of a "caretaker" government.

The military has named the AAPP an "unlawful" organisation. The members are in hiding and have accused the forces of "weaponising" Covid-19.

Myanmar has been facing a deadly surge of Covid-19 cases. The nation has recorded 3,63,000 cases and 13,786 deaths due to Covid-10. The lack of formal medical care has been playing a major role in aggravating the health crisis, reported The Guardian.

Many hospitals are empty because the staff has joined protests against the junta. Patients are reluctant to go to military-run hospitals. Pharmacies across the nation have long lines for oxygen and medical supplies.