The traders have been critical of the gap between the market rate and the regulated exchange rate of the local kyat and US dollar, The Global New Light of Myanmar said.

The shooting comes days after the central bank issued a controversial order requiring all foreign exchange earned by citizens and firms be converted to local currency within 24 hours

The Myanmar military's slaying of well over 500 people and terrorizing of the civilian population has intensified public opposition – and led to fears that the country is on the brink of collapse

President Biden condemned the military's ousting of the civilian-led government and its detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi as an assault on the country's transition to democracy