Two protesters killed in Myanmar, shops and factories closed

Security forces were also deployed at hospitals and universities as part of efforts to enforce the law, state media said.

It was not immediately clear who fired on the protesters in the northern town of Myitkyina, although both police and the military were at the scene, the witnesses said.

Photos posted on Facebook showed the bodies of two men lying on the street. Witnesses said they were taking part in a protest against the coup when police fired stun grenades and tear gas. Several people were then hit by gunfire from nearby buildings.

One witness, who said he helped move the bodies, told Reuters two people were shot in the head and died on the spot. Three people were wounded.

“How inhumane to kill unarmed civilians,” said the witness, a 20-year-old man. “We must have our right to protest peacefully.” 

Police and military have killed more than 50 people to quell the daily demonstrations and strikes against the Feb. 1 coup, according to the United Nations.

A military spokesman did not respond to calls asking for comment on the latest incidents.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army overthrew the elected government of longtime democracy champion Aug Sang Suu Kyi, detained her and other political figures, and installed a military government.

The generals say they acted because an election in November which saw Suu Kyi’s National League for Democrcay (NLS) secure a a big victory was marred by fraud - a claim rejected by the electoral commission.

They have promised to hold another election, without giving a date. In the meantime, security forces have cracked down hard on widespread pro-democracy protests, with last week the bloodiest so far in a country that has a history of military rule and crushing of dissent. (reuters)