YANGON, 15 March, 2021 (TON): As Myanmar activists planned more anti-coup rallies on Monday, Myanmar's military-backed State Administration Council has imposed martial law in the Hlaingthaya and Shwe Pyi Thar townships of the Yangon region, the media reported.

On Sunday, at least 39 people were killed in clashes with security forces in the commercial hub of Yangon where Chinese-financed factories were torched. Security forces killed at least 22 pro-democracy protesters in the Hlaingthaya suburb of Yangon.

And a further 16 protesters were killed in other places, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said.

The move came after some factories in the townships were burnt down, the report said.

As China is viewed as being supportive of the military junta that has taken power, the Chinese embassy said much Chinese staff was injured and trapped in arson attacks by unidentified assailants on garment factories in Hlaingthaya, and that it had called on Myanmar to protect Chinese property and citizens.

China's embassy described the situation as very severe after the attacks on the Chinese-financed factories.

No group claimed responsibility for burning the factories, however, China made the strongest comments about violence up to now, and it urged Myanmar authorities to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law and ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese companies and personnel.