The image of the Catholic nun pleading before a group of heavily armed police officers to spare "the children" and shoot her instead has gone viral and won praises across the globe. In the image, Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng can be seen in a white habit, hands spread, kneeling before them requesting not to torture the children, but to shoot and kill her instead.
The incident happened at Myitkyina, a city in Mynamar, which struggles with the chaotic aftermath of the military's ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The protesters are demanding the reintroduction of democracy and the junta has started to use force, tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and live rounds.
On Monday, the protesters took to the streets of Myitkyina by wearing hard hats and homemade shields. When police started to chase them to arrest, Sister Ann fell on her knees. Two people died during Monday's clash, however, it is not clear whether live rounds or rubber bullets were used.
This was not the first instance where 45-year-old Sister Ann requested the security forces. On February 28, she had made a similar plea for mercy. She walked towards the police, kneeled before and pleaded with them to stop the violence.
The city has been witnessing several crackdowns from authorities for the past few weeks. Reportedly, nearly 60 people have been killed in anti-coup demonstrations around the country.