YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — An eagerly awaited official report has confirmed that police in Myanmar used smoke bombs that contain phosphorus during a crackdown on anti-mine protesters last year that left 108 people with burns, including 99 Buddhist monks.
The report by an investigation commission appointed by President Thein Sein and chaired by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi came out Monday, more than three months after the incident at the Letpadaung copper mine in northwestern Myanmar
Protesters say the joint venture between a Chinese company and Myanmar military conglomerate causes environmental, social and health problems. They want the project halted.
In its report, the commission recommends the project continue, a finding likely to disappoint protesters and possibly reignite demonstrations.
