In response to reports of airstrikes in Hpakant, Kachin State, which left dozens of people dead, the United Nations (UN) in Myanmar has expressed grave concern.
The military of Myanmar attacked a musical performance in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, in the north of the country on Sunday. The concert took place as part of events honouring the 62nd birthday of the well-known ethnic rebel organisation, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO).
“The United Nations (UN) in Myanmar is deeply concerned and saddened by reports of airstrikes that took place in Hpakant, Kachin State around 8:00 PM on October 23, 2022. Initial reports suggest that over 100 civilians may have been affected by the bombing. Numerous fatalities have also been reported,” the UN mission in the country said in the statement.
“While the UN continues to verify the details of this attack, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who were killed or injured. The UN calls for those injured to be available for urgent medical treatment, as needed,” it added.
The UN said the airstrikes “appear to be excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces against unarmed civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be held to account.”
Amnesty’s deputy regional director, Hana Young, expressed fear that the air raids were “part of a pattern of unlawful aerial attacks by the military, which has killed and injured civilians in areas controlled by armed groups”.
“The military has shown ruthless disregard for civilian lives in its escalating campaign against opponents. It is difficult to believe the military did not know of a significant civilian presence at the site of this attack. The military must immediately grant access to medics and humanitarian assistance to those affected by these air strikes and other civilians in need,” Young added.
According to the London-based rights organisation, the KIO is the political arm of the Kachin Independence Army, which governs the region and has fought battles with the Myanmar military for decades.
Since seizing power in a coup in February of last year, the military has come to rely more on air power in its fight to maintain control of the nation.
According to a report released in July by Amnesty International, the military in Myanmar has repeatedly attacked civilian Karen and Karenni communities on the ground and in the air, detained them arbitrarily, frequently using torture or extrajudicial executions, and systematically looted and burned their villages.