On Tuesday, 19-year-old Myat Thet Thet Khaing became the first casualty of the crackdown on nationwide protests against Myanmar’s newly installed military junta. While joining thousands of others in Naypyitaw calling for the overthrow of the regime, she was shot in the head by police, and she is now on life support at a hospital in the administrative capital. The next day, her elder sister, Mya Thadoe Nwe, spoke to reporters about the incident and her determination to continue the fight.
Please tell us what happened yesterday.
The police came forward and fire trucks also advanced. Everyone retreated. As we were moving back, we stared at the side of the road. When the police pulled back to their lines, the crowd started throwing stones and water bottles. As you can see in the online video clip, we tried to hide in case we were hit. I thought the police were shooting up into the air when I heard the gunshots.
When we heard the gunshots, we turned around and saw that she was shot. I didn’t think at first that she was hit. I thought she had just fallen down. People helped to move her and said to take off her motorcycle helmet, as she had lost consciousness. When they did, I saw that she was bleeding from a gunshot wound in her head.
What is your sister’s current situation?
Her chance of recovery is only 5%. So far, nothing has changed.
How do you and your family feel about this?
We feel deep sorrow. I am the oldest of four siblings. My sister is the youngest. She is my only sister. I can’t express my feelings. (She starts crying.)
Regarding this incident, what would you like to say to people protesting on the streets?
I want to say that we are fighting against this military dictatorship not for just one person or one party’ leader. I want the public to know that this affects all the people. I want the world to know that and to help our country.
Please, everyone, help us. We are not only doing this for our own sake, but also for future generations. We will only benefit if we can completely eradicate this.
What do you plan to do next?
I will continue to protest. I want to ask the people to join together in protest and completely eradicate the military dictatorship, so that what happened to my sister was not in vain. Keep on fighting against this military regime. Keep fighting until it has been completely eradicated. And I want the world to know. I want the world to help.
