The junta, which seized power after the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, carried out an airstrike on the concert venue in Kachin state. It was stated that in the attack, which targeted the concert held on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the separatist Kachin Independence Army (KIA), in the Kansi region, an attack was carried out by 2 warplanes belonging to the army. KIA Spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu said in a statement that at least 50 people were killed and about 100 injured in the attack.
“THE BIG EXPLOSIONS”
Eyewitnesses said that the people of the region were not warned in any way, and that three big explosions occurred around 20:30 local time. Eyewitnesses also claimed that the military prevented paramedics from trying to transport the injured to the hospital in the town of Hpakant.
EXPLANATION FROM UN
In the statement made by the United Nations (UN) Office in Myanmar, it was stated that it was “deeply concerned and saddened” by the airstrike and emphasized that the excessive and disproportionate use of force by the security forces against unarmed civilians is unacceptable and those responsible should be held accountable.
Hana Young of Amnesty International said: “The military has shown a brutal indifference towards civilian lives in its escalating attacks against dissidents. It’s hard to believe that the military was unaware of a significant civilian presence in this area of attack. “The military must immediately grant access to health and humanitarian aid to those affected by these airstrikes and other civilians in need.”
30 BILLION DOLLARS OF MINE IS EXTRACTED PER YEAR IN THE REGION
While approximately $30 billion worth of jade mines are mined annually in the state of Kachin, clashes are taking place between the rebels and the army in the region. The attack was interpreted as a revenge or warning from the army for the support of Kachin rebels to other armed groups formed to resist the coup in Myanmar.
On the other hand, at least 2,370 people have died and more than 15,900 have been arrested since the coup, according to the Political Prisoners Assistance Association, which documents murders and human rights violations in Myanmar. (UAV)