Myanmar protesters avoid police on side streets

More than a thousand anti-coup protesters marched in the streets of Mandalay Monday.

With security forces blocking major roads, protesters decided to march in the narrow streets of several wards in Myanmar's second biggest city.

They had to stop their march when police security vehicles were seen approaching nearby.

Large protests have occurred daily across many cities and towns since the February 1 takeover, and security forces have responded with ever greater use of lethal force and mass arrests.

At least 18 protesters were shot and killed on Feb. 28 and 38 on Mar. 3, according to the UN Human Rights Office.

More than 1,500 have been arrested, the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said.