Protestors pictured in front of China's Wanbao Company in the Latpadaung area on November 20, 2012. [Photo: Open Society Monywa]

The 39-page report compiled by the Lawyers' Network (Myanmar) and the Justice Trust in February was released in English on April 10. Its finding support arguments for criminal actions to be brought against police and those responsible for the use of incendiary weapons against protestors, said the AHRC.

"It is alarming that despite having such evidence available to it, not only did the investigation commission endorse the continuation of the mining project, but also said literally nothing about the criminal responsibility of the police and other authorities involved in the brutal attack on peaceful demonstrators," said Bijo Francis, acting executive director of the Hong Kong-based regional rights group.  

Francis said that what is ultimately at stake in the situation is "the very conception of rule of law in a democracy".

The AHRC has called on the government to reject the findings of the official commission and reenter discussions with local residents.

The investigation committee for the Latpadaung copper mine project made calls for cooperation between the government, local officials and residents and for peaceful cooperation in the area following a visit to the site on April 8.