Myitkyina, a city in Kachin State, was the site of a violent riot that erupted at Myitkyina Prison on April 18. Reports indicated that during the incident, a number of inmates were killed and injured. The disturbance began in the afternoon, escalating with shouting that grew louder as security forces fired warning shots. Despite efforts to control the situation, including the use of security vehicles and long-range acoustic devices, gunshots were heard by witnesses nearby.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene lasting around half an hour, marked by calls for justice and sporadic gunfire. The unrest was believed to have stemmed from grievances related to the perceived unfairness in the granting of amnesties within the prison. Following the incident, it was reported that a total of four prisoners – two from Myitkyina, one from Bhamo, and one from Mohnyin – lost their lives, while eight others sustained injuries and were currently undergoing medical treatment.
Notably, on the previous day of April 17, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year, 42 individuals had been released from Myitkyina Prison. However, the lack of clarity regarding specific demands beyond concerns over amnesty disparities further contributed to the tense atmosphere. The absence of official statements from the State Administration Council’s information team left questions unanswered, leaving room for speculation and uncertainty among the public.
This recent incident in 2021 was reminiscent of a similar riot that occurred in 2019 at Myitkyina Prison, sparked by discontent over parole discrepancies. The recurrence of such violence raised alarms about underlying issues within the prison system, pointing to the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic grievances and prevent future outbreaks of unrest. The tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained underscored the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and effective communication between authorities and the prison population to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.