Defence ministers of 12 nations condemn violence by Myanmar military

NEW DELHI:

Global Defence Ministers of 12 nations on Sunday jointly condemned the killing of more than 90 anti-coup protesters by Myanmar's military on Saturday.

The ministers also issued a joint statement condemning the military's actions.

The signatories included the US, UK, Japan and Australia.

"A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting - not harming - the people it serves," the joint statement read.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the military of sacrificing the lives of people to serve the few.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is deeply shocked by the violence and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called it a new low.

UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews called for an international emergency summit.

The military also tried to intervene during the funeral, reports stated.

Reports also stated that more than 400 people have been killed since the military crackdown in February.

At least 114 civilians lost their lives on Saturday after the military cracked down peaceful protests in major towns and cities across Myanmar, recorded as the "bloodiest day" in the country's history of protests.

Meanwhile, Russia and China did not join hands to condemn the attacks by Myanmar's security forces.

(Edited by Gabriel G Momin)

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