Since the military’s coup seizing power over the country on 1 Feb, Myanmar has seen massive protests demanding democracy for the past 3 weeks.
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However, clashes between protesters and security forces quickly escalated when police fired live rounds at civilians on Saturday (20 Feb), killing at least 2, reports Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) calls such use of lethal weapons on civilians “inexcusable”, urging immediate de-escalation.
In a media release, an MFA spokesperson reacted to the police shooting of civilians in Myanmar with dismay.
Commenting on the escalated situation in Myanmar, the ministry said,
The use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is inexcusable.
They urged security forces to exercise “utmost restraint” to prevent further violence and bloodshed.
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In an earlier Parliamentary session (16 Feb), Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also highlighted that violence against unarmed civilians isn’t justifiable.
In light of Myanmar’s and regional stability, MFA asks the security forces to immediately de-escalate the situation and restore calm.
The Singapore Embassy in Yangon has been in contact with Singaporeans in Myanmar, according to MFA.
They advised Singaporeans to stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid travelling to areas where protests are taking place.
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In order for the Embassy to contact them when the need arises, Singaporeans in Myanmar should eRegister immediately here.
Meanwhile, Singaporeans in Myanmar are advised to monitor local news closely and take necessary precautions for their personal safety.
The situation in Myanmar is certainly increasingly worrying. A violent crackdown is the least we want to see as that only means more innocent lives lost.
We hope the a political solution can be sought via negotiations. A national reconciliation for the future of its people shouldn’t demand their lives as the price.
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