Myitkyina Prison in Kachin State, Myanmar was engulfed in chaos on April 18 as a riot erupted, resulting in reported deaths and injuries among inmates, sources revealed. The unrest stemmed from grievances over perceived unfairness in the granting of amnesties, while specific additional demands remained unclear.
The disturbance began around 4 pm, escalating as the day progressed. Security forces attempted to control the situation by firing warning shots into the air, to no avail. Eventually, security vehicles arrived, deploying long-range acoustic devices before gunshots rang out, as recounted by witnesses in the vicinity.
Amidst the turmoil, cries of “Justice is our concern” echoed through the prison walls, punctuated by the crackle of gunfire. The situation gradually de-escalated by 4:30 pm, only to flare up once more at 7 pm before quieting down again. Ambulances were seen on site, tending to the injured inmates from Myitkyina, Bhamo, and Mohnyin who bore the brunt of the violence.
Reports indicate that on April 17, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year, 42 individuals were released from Myitkyina Prison. Tragically, four prisoners lost their lives during the unrest, with eight others sustaining injuries and currently undergoing medical treatment. The State Administration Council has yet to release any official statement on the incident.
This marks a recurring pattern of violence at Myitkyina Prison, with a previous riot in 2019 sparked by grievances over unequal parole opportunities. The unrest this year mirrors past incidents in other prisons across the country, underscoring systemic issues within the penal system that require urgent attention.
The aftermath of the riot serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and tensions that continue to plague Myanmar’s prison system, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff. As investigations into the recent unrest unfold, the authorities face mounting pressure to address the root causes of these outbursts and implement lasting solutions to prevent further tragedies.