The military junta unleashed a wave of fresh violence on anti-coup protesters in Myanmar as a seven-year-old girl was shot dead in her home on Tuesday night with at least 20 children reported killed since February 1.
There was chaos overnight in Mandalay as forces raided homes and beat people on suspicion. Sounds of gunfire also echoed in varius residential areas, reported local media.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), seven-year-old Khin Myo Chit was among three people shot dead in Mandalay.
Local media reported that soldiers shot at her father, but hit the girl as she was sitting on his lap inside their home.
Aid workers said a rescue team rushed the girl to get her medical treatment, but could not save her life.
Family members say her 19-year-old brother was also arrested.
Aid group Save the Children and AAPP have said that at least 20 people aged under 18 have so far been killed in the military crackdown.
“We are horrified that children continue to be among the targets of these fatal attacks on peaceful protestors,” Save the Children said in a statement.
“The safety of children must be protected under all circumstances and we once again call on security forces to end these deadly attacks against protesters immediately.”
The charity said it was also extremely worried about “hundreds of young people” being held in detention.
AAPP has confirmed that at least 275 people have been killed since the coup, and said the toll could be higher. There are confirmed reports that more than 2,800 people have been detained.
However, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said 164 protesters have been killed and branded the victims “violent terrorist people” at a Tuesday news conference in the capital Naypyidaw.
Meanwhile, a senior official from jail said that 360 men and 268 women have been released from Insein prison on Wednesday.
