Myitkyina, a city in the Kachin State of Myanmar, was rocked by a violent riot at Myitkyina Prison on April 18, leading to reports of multiple inmates being both killed and injured during the chaos. The disturbance began in the afternoon, with shouting escalating as security forces resorted to firing bullets into the air in an attempt to quell the unrest. Despite these efforts, the situation only grew more intense, prompting the arrival of security vehicles equipped with long-range acoustic devices. Witnesses nearby reported hearing gunshots as the chaos unfolded.
According to eyewitnesses, the disturbance spanned approximately half an hour, with cries of “Justice is our concern” echoing through the prison grounds. The scene only calmed down after several instances of gunfire, eventually quieting down by 4:30 pm. However, the peace was short-lived as shouting erupted once again at 7 pm, with ambulances seen arriving to tend to the injured. By nightfall, the roads leading to the prison were shut down in response to the ongoing situation.
Initial reports suggested that the riot stemmed from grievances over alleged unfairness in the distribution of amnesties, though the exact reasons behind the unrest remained unclear. The previous day, on April 17, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year, a total of 42 individuals had been released from Myitkyina Prison. Tragically, four inmates lost their lives in the ensuing chaos, including individuals from various locations within the Kachin State. Eight others were reported injured, receiving medical attention to address their wounds.
Despite the tumultuous events unfolding at Myitkyina Prison, the State Administration Council has remained notably silent on the matter, refraining from issuing any official statements regarding the incident. This lack of communication has left observers in the dark, awaiting further details to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deadly riot. This recent episode harkens back to a similar outbreak of violence in 2019 at Myitkyina Prison, when tensions over parole disparities sparked a riot that also spread to other correctional facilities in the region.
As investigations into the causes of the disturbance continue, the community in Myitkyina remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of the deadly unrest that has once again shaken the city to its core. The impact of the riot at Myitkyina Prison serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the penal system in Myanmar and the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff within correctional facilities.