YANGON: Security forces killed at least 14 protesters in a poor, industrial suburb of Myanmar's main city on Sunday and at least three people in other parts of the country, according to local media.
State television said a policeman had also been killed in one of the bloodiest days of protests against the Feb. 1 coup.
China's embassy called on Myanmar to protect its property and citizens after saying two Chinese-financed garment factories were set ablaze by unknown attackers.
Protests are now in their sixth week since the coup toppled elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the Southeast Asian country into turmoil, with the economy paralysed by strikes by opponents of the army takeover.
Security forces opened fire on protesters in the Hlaingthaya district of the city, a poor suburb that is home to migrants from across the country, domestic media said. Plumes of black smoke rose over the area.
Myanmar Now said at least 14 protesters had been killed, according to the local hospital and a rescue worker.
"An official from Hlaingthaya Hospital said the death toll and wounded were still arriving," its report said. Other Myanmar media gave even higher tolls in the area.
State television MRTV said martial law had been imposed in the district. A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment.
Doctor Sasa, a representative of elected lawmakers from the assembly that was ousted by the army, voiced solidarity with the people of the district.
"The perpetrators, attackers, enemies of the people of Myanmar, the evil SAC (State Administrative Council) will be held accountable for every drops of blood that shed," he said in a message.
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