Myanmar Citizens Flee To India To Escape Violence

Myanmar nationals have been fleeing the country amid violence against civilians in the aftermath of a military coup with many who live close to the border, seeking refuge in India.

Many have used a dirt track through the forest to cross while others have come through an underground storm drain that connects villages on both sides of the border.

Myanmar, has been in a continuous cycle of violence after the country’s military overthrew democratically elected government and detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

In the following weeks, the military has crushed protests against the coup in brutal crackdown.

Rights groups say the military has killed over 600 people, including 43 children with claims of soldiers breaking into houses and raping and killing civilians.

Witnesses have recounted stories of people being killed in the streets and even in their homes – including a six-year-old who was allegedly shot dead during a home raid as she ran to her father.

Army spokesman Brig Gen Zaw Min Tun said in a recent interview that the army would never have shot a child inside their home – and if it did happen, they would investigate the incident.

But reports of such atrocities by the security forces are widespread and have sparked an international outcry.