Dozens killed in airstrike at concert in Myanmar

Myanmar’s military has killed at least 60 people in an airstrike on a concert in northern Kachin state. Eyewitnesses confirmed this to DPA news agency on Monday.

With the concert in Hpakant Township municipality, participants wanted to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), which stands up for the rights of the Myanmar Kachin ethnic group.

The number of deaths is increasing because many are seriously injured. More than 60 victims had already been reported by Monday afternoon (local time). The concert took place on Sunday evening. According to local news reports, the attack with three Myanmar military planes was carried out around 9 p.m. when many people had gathered for the event.

The dead included well-known artists in the region, said a musician who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons. “We have lost our people, our artists, our brothers and sisters. I will never forget this terrible action and you have to pay for it,” said the eyewitness.

“This is not a war zone. Our people just enjoyed an ethnic remembrance concert, but the army attacked anyway,” said Aung Hein Min, former MP from Hpakant Township. The place is known for its large jade deposits.

Since a military coup on February 1, 2021, the former Burma has been plunged into chaos and violence. The junta rules with an iron fist and suppresses any resistance. The Kachin Independence Organization has been fighting the military for decades and supporting those who oppose the coup. Many people have settled in the region, fleeing the brutality of the generals. (aeg/sda/dpa)