At least 138 protesters killed in Myanmar including women & children

The United Nations has said at least 138 peaceful protesters have been killed since the military staged a coup against the government.

"According to the UN Human Rights Office, to date, at least 138 peaceful protesters, including women and children, have been killed in the violence since February 1," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.

The spokesperson further added that the number includes 38 people killed on Sunday, the majority in the Hlaing Thayer area of Yangon, and 18 people who were killed a day before.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the violence against the peaceful protesters, the spokesperson said.

"The UN head again calls on the international community, including regional countries, to come together in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations," Dujarric added.

On Sunday, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener had also strongly condemned the killing of people in the country.

She condemns the continuing bloodshed in the country as the military defies international calls, including from the Security Council, for restraint, dialogue and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, according to the statement issued on Sunday.

On February 1, Myanmar's military staged a coup against the State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint's government, citing 'fraud' in the last year's polls.(UNI)