Renowned Myanmar singer Lily Naing Kyaw, a prominent supporter of the military junta, was confirmed dead a week after being shot in the head, allegedly by anti-military gunmen.
The 58-year-old artist was closely linked to junta leaders and accused of being their informant, leaving her controversial in a country embroiled in conflict since the military takeover in 2021.
Ms Kyaw’s death has stunned military supporters and celebrities linked to the pro-military media. Her demise follows the killing of Tint Lwin, another pro-military advocate, four days prior.
These incidents are part of a rising wave of assassinations targeting high-profile government supporters. The unsettling trend is causing fear among pro-government celebrities, with some publicly withdrawing their military support.
Two men, affiliated with an urban guerrilla group opposed to the military, were arrested in connection with Ms Kyaw’s murder.
Kaung Zar Ni Hein, one of the alleged gunmen, was identified through CCTV footage, while the other, Kyaw Thura, was also detained.
They both await trial in custody, having allegedly confessed to their crimes. On the night of their arrest, two relatives of Mr Hein were mysteriously killed, adding to the intricate web of violence and retribution.
Ms Kyaw was no stranger to the military elite, frequently appearing at official events. Her music, particularly one song that became the unofficial anthem of Myanmar’s New Year celebrations, resonated with her fans.
However, her support for the military and accusations of informing on protestors caused significant controversy.
Notably, Ms Kyaw reported on youth involved with revolutionary forces and allegedly handed over footage of local demonstrators to the army, leading to numerous arrests.
Ms Kyaw’s associations and actions were not without consequence. During an interview with CNN and the Southeast Asia Globe post the 2021 coup, she revealed she had been branded a spy and traitor, with posters denouncing her plastered near her home.
The chilling effect of Ms Kyaw’s death is noticable. Celebrities and public figures who previously voiced their support for the junta are now treading carefully, fearing retaliation.
The crackdown on celebrities critical of the government continues to intensify, with arrests for crimes like “disrupting the peace” and “spreading propaganda” becoming more commonplace.
Prominent figures like Paing Takhon, a model and actor once jailed for participating in anti-coup protests, are feeling the brunt of public anger after aligning with the military.
Meanwhile, rapper Yone Lay, who, like Ms Kyaw, has been accused of being a military informant, continues to advocate for peace and unity in a deeply divided nation.
As Myanmar’s turmoil continues to unfold, it’s evident that the nation’s celebrities and influencers are as embroiled in the political strife as the rest of the population, highlighting the widespread impact of the conflict.
