2. Extra-judicial Killing, Summary or Arbitrary Execution
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
- Article 3, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
2.1 Background
According the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices-2004, the situation for human rights in Burma worsened in 2004 as extra-judicial killings continued to be perpetrated against the people of Burma by government sanctioned organizations and individuals (source: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices-2004, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, Labor, U.S. Department of State, 28 February 2005). Extra-judicial killings and arbitrary executions have been reported throughout the country and often occur in correlation with other human rights violations such as forced labor, forced relocation, torture or sexual violence. Moreover, they have been most frequently reported in ethnic minority border areas, particularly where active armed resistance exists or rebel groups are suspected of organizing or accessing support. Members of the Tatmadaw (armed forces), police, the former Military Intelligence (MI), pyithusit (people's militia), ceasefire groups working alongside the SPDC forces and other state affiliated actors have all been implicated as perpetrators of extra-judicial killings and summary or arbitrary executions.
Many extra-judicial killings are carried out in conjunction with the SPDC's "four cuts" policy through which the military attempts to render armed opposition groups powerless by cutting off food, supplies, intelligence, and recruits. Village headmen, elders, and anyone suspected of having contact with or providing support for ethnic rebel groups are detained, interrogated, tortured and sometimes killed. Villagers found outside of SPDC controlled areas, also known as "black areas", are considered enemies or rebels and may be shot on site without warning by patrolling troops. This includes villagers who may be living on the run, hiding from SPDC troops in the jungles, or those living outside of SPDC relocation sites. Villagers in resistance areas fear traveling outside their village, especially to tend their hill fields in the jungle, because they risk discovery by SPDC troops on patrol and the inevitable accusation of rebel activity. As accusations of rebel association do not require proof, this system can be used to execute almost anyone; for example, women found in a village without their husbands are often accused of being "married to a rebel soldier." Villagers can also be executed for simply carrying food in areas outside SPDC control, as the army assumes that the food is to supply rebel troops. The threat of being killed serves to instill terror in the minds of villagers, which is intended to prevent them from supporting rebel groups in any way.
In the beginning of 2004, the Karen National Union (KNU), the largest ethnic opposition group, and the SPDC came to a "gentlemen's agreement," or a verbal ceasefire. Despite the gentlemen's agreement, Tatmadaw forces remained active in Karen areas and reports of ongoing human rights abuses, including arbitrary executions, continued to emerge. The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), a Thai-based human rights organization, indicated that the verbal ceasefire agreement made no provisions for troop movements leaving the SPDC forces capable of building roads, establishing more army camps, and stockpiling supplies. In addition, KHRG reported that the verbal ceasefire addressed soldiers shooting soldiers but not shooting civilians, allowing SPDC soldiers to perpetrate extra-judicial killings of villagers with out fear of punishment. In late February, for example, the Southern Deputy Commander in Mu Township, Nyaunglebin District, illustrated lack of fear of reprisals when he issued an order that all villagers found outside of Ywa Saw Kaw and Tu Ko Kho areas be shot on site. (Source: Papun and Nyaunglebin Districts: Continued Oppression During the Ceasefire, KHRG, 9 September 2004)
One aspect of the SPDC's campaign to secure military control over areas of Karen armed ethnic opposition, which was established prior to the verbal ceasefire agreement, has been the formation and expansion of the Dam Byan Byaut Kya, or 'Guerilla Retaliation' Units. These units were initially formed in Nyaunglebin District in 1998 under Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt's Directorate of Defense Services Intelligence (DDSI) with the express purpose of seeking out specific targets of suspected KNLA or KNU supporters and executing them. The units extended to Toungoo District in 1999, with civilians remaining their main targets in both areas. Dam Byan Byaut Kya, also referred to as Baw Bi Doh or "Short Pants" for their combination of civilian and military attire, operate as small 5-10 men groups and are known for their brutal execution methods. These methods include entering a village seeking a specific villager, removing the villager from the village, and executing him or her. Mutilation, such as decapitation, has been a common accompaniment to their executions. The Dam Byan Byaut Kya have reportedly decreased their execution activities and accompanying mutilation over the past few years. Instead, they have engaged in activities similar to regular SPDC troops like looting and excessive taxation. Yet, the Dam Byan Byaut Kya reputation remains, having successfully stilled great fear of the consequences of supporting opposition forces in the minds of villagers. KHRG contends that the reduction in their execution activities may be the result of successful elimination of their list of targets or of orders from the government in Rangoon to curb their activities to prevent international spectators from becoming aware and critical. (Source: Enduring Hunger and Repression: Food Scarcity, Internal Displacement, and the Continued Use of Forced Labour in Toungoo District, KHRG, September 2004)
Reports of extra-judicial killings in Mon State did not abate in 2004. As in other areas, SPDC soldiers were reported to have killed villagers suspected of contacting or supporting armed opposition groups. According to the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), military offensives launched in the southern part of Ye Township in the beginning of 2004 resulted in the perpetration of a greater number of extra-judicial killings than at other times. Over 2000 soldiers from IB 97, 61, and 31 as well as LIB 586 and 591 were reportedly sent to overtake the approximately 100 rebels belonging to the Hongsawatoi Restoration Party (HRP). During the offensives, villagers were ordered to remain inside their villagers. Those who went out were vulnerable to being killed. In addition, HURFOM reported that family members and relatives of the rebels were detained, tortured and executed as a means of deterring family members from becoming rebels as well. (Source: "Terror in Southern Part of Ye Township – Part II," The Mon Forum, HURFOM, 29 February 2004)
According to the U.S. Department of State, state sponsored actors did not perpetrate any extra-judicial killings of pro-democracy activists in 2004. At the same time, the effects of the 30 May 2003 attack on Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy (NLD), and local residents outside of Depayin, Sagaing Division, and the ensuing crackdown on the democracy movement have yet to be addressed. The exact number of deaths caused by the attack led by Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) members and other state sponsored actors armed with bamboo spikes, metal rods, and poles remains unknown as the SPDC engaged in an effective "clean up" following the incident. While the SPDC claimed that only 4 people were killed and 50 injured in an incident instigated by the NLD, unofficial sources have estimated a death toll of at least 70 pro-democracy activists. According to a document allegedly leaked from the SPDC in May 2004, 282 persons were killed in the attacks (source: “Burmese Crackdown Said to Have Killed 282,” RFA, 4 May 2004). The number of deaths resulting from the ensuing crackdown on the democracy movement also remains unknown. Yet, as the SPDC has taken no action to investigate or prosecute those responsible for the deaths of both activists and civilians, the state sponsored actors who perpetrated these human rights violations enjoy an environment of impunity. (Source: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices-2004, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, Labor, U.S. Department of State, 28 February 2005)
On 19 October 2004, Prime Minister Lt General Khin Nyunt was unexpectedly removed and replaced with Lt General Soe Win, well known for his hardline stance against the NLD and ethnic minorities. Khin Nyunt had headed the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for over two decades and officials of the Military Intelligence unit of the NIB had long been identified as perpetrators of extra-judicial killings. Following Khin Nyunt’s removal, the NIB was dissolved, many MI members were retired or transferred by the junta and the unit’s name was changed to the Office of Military Affairs Security. The Special Police Information Force (SPIF) has taken over responsibility for political matters, under the direction of the generals of the SPDC. The effects of these changes have yet to be fully realized and many believe them to be only superficial.
2.2 Extra-judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions – partial list of
incidents for 2004
(Please see the chapters on forced labor, women, children and torture for further incidents.)
Arakan State
On 1 April 2004, 4 Rohingya were arrested at the Lundun Madrasa by a group of 30 Nasaka officers in Maungdaw town, Arakan State, and accused of running the Madrasa with funds provided by insurgents. The 4 were taken to Ngakura Nasaka Sector No. 5 Camp where they were detained, interrogated and tortured. As a result of the torture, Maulayi Sayed Ahmed (age 35), son of Sayedul Islam of Duden village, Maungdaw Township, died on 21 April. At first the Nasaka officers refused to return the body but after a confrontation with the villagers and orders from the Nasaka Headquarters, the body was finally returned. The body was reportedly injured, bruised and covered in blood. In addition, his tongue was cut off, sex organs destroyed, and testicles compressed. On 22 April, the 3 other detainees were released and concluded to be innocent. (Source: “Barbaric Killing of A Religious Teacher in Nasaka Custody,” Kaladan News, 28 April 2004)
On 27 April 2004, a Nasaka officer from Nasaka Headquarters of Kyi Kan Pyin reportedly raped and killed 12 year-old Shajeeda, daughter of Noor Kalam from Kyi Kan Pyin village, Maungdaw Township. The girl had been out grazing her cattle on a nearby hillside with a friend when a plain-clothed Nasaka officer encountered her and dragged her away. This occurred around 4:00 pm and when she did not return, her friend went and informed her parents. Shajeeda’s father reportedly went to the Nasaka Headquarters to report the incident but was turned away. He then went to the village chairman and, together, they went to the Nasaka Headquarters the next day, who refuted any connection with the event. Shajeeda’s father commenced searching for his daughter in the area where she had been taken and found her dead body face down and hidden under some bushes. He then took the dead body to the Nasaka office where the officers denied any connection to the event and ordered him to bury her immediately. While the incident was reported to both the police and military intelligence, no action has been taken to the time of this report. (Source: “Nasaka Raped a 12-Year Old Girl and Strangled,” Kaladan News, 12 May 2004)
On 15 July 2004, Abdus Salam (male, age 50) was performing forced labor for the construction of a bridge over Laya Chaung creek. His duty was to carry stones which made him tired. As a result, he took a rest and proceeded to speak ill of the Nasaka authorities. Another villager, Nur Hossain, working on the project heard Abdus Salam's comments and informed the Nasaka authorities. In anger, the Nasaka authorities came and hit Abdus Salam on the head with a stick. The blow killed him immediately. The victim was from Hlaing Thi village tract, Maungdaw Township, Arakan State. (Source: "A Rohingya Beaten to Death for Forced Labor in Northern Arakan," Kaladan News, 22 July 2004)
Karen State
Note: Dooplaya, Pa-an and Papun Districts, as reported below, are all areas demarcated by the KNU as Karen territory. Dooplaya District falls mostly in SPDC demarcated Karen State and partially in SPDC demarcated Mon State. Dooplaya District is under the patrol of the 6th Brigade of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). Papun and Pa-an Districts fall entirely in SPDC demarcated Karen State. Papun District is under the patrol of the 5th Brigade of the KNLA and Pa-an is under the patrol of the 7th Brigade of the KNLA. The SPDC does not recognize these as official districts. Instead, the SPDC considers there to be 3 districts (North to South: Kawkareik, Pa-an and Myawaddy) and 7 townships (North to South: Than Daung, Papun, Hlaing Bwe, Pa’an, Kawkareik, Myawaddy, and Kya In Seik Gyi) within Karen State. These townships do not correspond with the KNU demarcated districts, even for those which share the same name.
Dooplaya District
On 11 August 2004 at 2:10 pm, troops from SPDC IB 284 Column 2 based at Ler Kwa Law camp, led by Company 2 Commander Bo Aung Kyaw Soe, were drunk and proposed to Naw Htwe Ha for her love. Naw Htwe Ha (age 17), daughter of Saw Shwe Myaing, the village secretary of Mae Ka Ti village, Kaw Ka Reik Township, was also known as Naw Mya Win. When she did not accept, Bo Aung Kyaw Soe shot her in the left temple of her head with a 9-MM pistol and the bullet came out at on the right side. She was killed at 2:15 pm. (Source: KIC, 2004)
Pa-an District
In April 2004, Tun Heh, a security officer from DKBA Brigade 999, sent May Ko Baw and Kaw Su to Waw Kyeh Koh, Hto Kaw Ko. Their purpose was to kill Naw Bleh (age 35) and her husband, Pa Thung Tint (age 45). At 8:00 am, near the hut of Kho Thay Lu, the soldiers fired 1 shot at Naw Bleh and 2 shots at Pa Thung Tint. Both were killed. The soldiers claimed that they killed the couple because they were witches. (Source: FBR, 2004)
Papun District
On 14 January 2004 at 9:00 am, villagers Saw Kaw Gwe Htoo (age 22) and Klo Baw Hae (age 19) were taking 3 buffaloes to the market when they encountered some SPDC soldiers near Thwee Der village, northern Muthraw District, Karen State. The site was a one-day walk from the southern Karenni border. The troops captured Klo Baw Hae and the buffaloes while Saw Kaw Gwe Htoo was able to escape despite the troops shooting at him. The bullets hit the pack that he was wearing and as a result, it fell off. He lost 3,000 baht and 50,000 kyat in his pack and a bullet hit his finger but he was able to escape. On 16 January, villagers found the body of Klo Baw Hae. He had been beaten to death. (Source: FBR, 2004)
Karenni State
On 27 February 2004 at 6:00 am, troops from SPDC LIB 422 and a militia unit led by Htookari came to Hosarkee village, No. 3 Township, west of Mawchi. In their search for people trying to avoid relocation, they came upon 6 people hiding near Buko village. The troops opened fire on them without warning. As a result, Saw Dah Doh and Saw Widoh were wounded. At the same time, the following 4 villagers were killed:
(Source: KNAHR, 2004)
On 28 February 2004 at 6:00 am, troops from SPDC LIB 422 entered a hideout site near the Karenni-Karen border where some Karenni villagers from Hosarkee were taking refuge with local Karen. The Burmese troops opened fire without warning. As a result, Saw Taw Htee (age 46) was wounded and the following 3 Hosakree villagers were killed:
(Source: KNAHR, 2004)
On 29 May 2004 at 8:00 pm, 50 KNPLF troops led by Htun Shwe
and the local militia led by Sunday-Boy, came to Daw Saw Phya village, Deemawso
Township. The troops arrested villager Lee Reh (age 40) and murdered him without
any apparent reason. His wife, Pray Meh (age 30) and their 4 children remained.
(Source: KNAHR, 2004)
On 4 June 2004, 80 KNPLF troops led by Poe Reh (the SPDC-backed ceasefire
armed group), came to Shadaw relocation camp. The troops arrested Khu Plyar Reh,
his wife, Baw Meh and his 2 children without giving any reason. The KNPLF troops
threatened to kill them. After the troops left, the family was terribly scared
and managed to run away and hide in the jungle. Soon after, the KNPLF troops
made a second visit to the camp, searched for Khu Plyar Reh’s family, and found
that they had run away. Unexpectedly, the troops found the family members and
Khu Plyar Reh was shot and killed on the spot. Up until the time of this report,
no one knew the whereabouts of his wife, Baw Meh, and their two children.
(Source: KNAHR, 2004)
On 28 September around 10:55 am, troops from SPDC LIB 428 combined with soldiers from the Karenni National Solidarity Organization (KNSO) attacked an IDP hiding place in Nu Thu Kee area in Gah Zee Kee village with sustained rifle and machine gun fire. All of the IDPs ran away except one family which consisted of a 90 year-old grandmother, her daughter, three grandchildren, and a 20 year old grandson. The grandmother and grandson were both shot in the leg. When the soldiers entered their hut, they yelled, "Go see if he is an IDP. If he is, then kill him." The troops proceeded to fire an entire magazine of bullets at the grandson and killed him. When they left the hut, the grandmother followed them asking for the soldiers to kill them all. The soldiers ignored her and proceeded to burn down all of the IDP's huts. (Source: FBR, 2004)
On 14 November 2004, troops from SPDC LIB 530, combined with troops from KNPLF, beat 2 porters to death because they were unable to carry their loads any longer due to exhaustion. One was killed at 9:00 am near the Pon River. The other was killed at 5:10 pm near Thiridah village. (Source: KNAHR, 2004)
Mon State
Note: Thaton District, as reported below, Thaton District falls mostly in the SPDC demarcated area of Mon State, while the area to the east of the Donthami River lies within SPDC demarcated Karen State. Thaton District is under the patrol of the 1st Brigade of the KNLA.
Thaton District
On 6 May 2004 at 8:20 pm, troops from SPDC LIB 541 led by Battalion Commander Moe Zaw Lin shot at Naung Ka Doe villagers and Ta Maw Daw villagers, who were out hunting for frogs in Thaton District. Naung Ka Doe villages managed to run back safely to their village, but Ta Maw Daw villager, Saw San Win (age 30), son of Tee Aung Chit, was shot and killed. (Source: CIDKP, 2004)
From mid-December 2003 until the time of this report, 15 January 2004, the
troops of various battalions under the command of No. 3 Tactical Command led by
Brigadier Myo Win have killed 6 men in southern Ye Township, Mon State. The
victims were:
1. Nai Zeit, age 40, from Hangan village;
2. Mehm Kao Chan, age 19, from Hangan village;
3. Nai Non Ong, age 37, from Hangan village;
4. Nai Zan, age 28, from Khaw-za village;
5. Nai Kyaw, age 30, from Khaw-za village;
6. Mehm Ye Myint Paing, age 16, from Khaw-za village.
Mehm Kao Chan, a young man, was killed in a farm hut near his village, Hangan, while Nai Zeit was killed when he was hunting. All victims were accused of being rebels as they were outside of their villages without proper permission documents to do so. (Source: “Serious Human Rights Violations,” HURFOM, 15 January 2004)
In the beginning of June 2004, troops from IB 106 led by Captain Myint Naing abducted 3 men and 4 women from Ham Gam southern Ye Township, Mon State. The troops reportedly dressed as Mon rebels and spoke Mon language. During the night, the soldiers sexually assaulted the 4 women. When Nai Acuu (age 18) attempted to defend the women, the soldiers shot and killed him. The soldiers accused him of trying to seize a soldier's gun. All of the abductees were forced to pay 50,000 kyat each. When local villagers and members of the New Mon State Party informed SPDC authorities about the incident, the villagers were reprimanded for discussing it. No action was taken to reprimand the soldiers involved. (Source: Banya Toay Taw, "Step Out of Line and You Will Be Shot," Kao Wao News, No. 70, 30 June 2004)
On 2 June 2004, soldiers from SPDC IB 106 in northern Ye Township, led by Captain Myint Naing, reportedly abducted 2 women and 1 man from Ham Gam, southern Ye Township, in the middle of the night. The group was taken to a secret location nearby where the man was shot and killed after he did not pay money that the soldiers demanded. (Source: Taw, Banyeah Toay, "Villagers Abducted and Killed by Burma Army," Kao Wao News, No. 69, 7 June 2004)
In the first week of July 2004,
troops from SPDC LIB 273 killed Secretary Nai Kon Pha, the headman of Mi-htaw-hla-gyi
village, Ye Township. (Source: "Gross Human Rights Violations in Ye Township,"
The Mon Forum, HURFOM, 30 September 2004)
On 27 August 2004, troops from SPDC LIB 273 killed Nai Chit Htwe (age 35), a train ticket seller from Pauk-pin-gwin village, southern Ye Township. The troops reportedly suspected Nai Chit Htwe of supporting Mon rebels. (Source: "Gross Human Rights Violations in Ye Township," The Mon Forum, HURFOM, 30 September 2004)
Pegu Division
Note: Both Nyaunglebin District and Toungoo District are areas demarcated by the KNU as Karen territory. Toungoo falls partially in SPDC demarcated Pegu Division and partially in SPDC demarcated Karen State. Toungoo is under the patrol of the 2nd Brigade of the KNLA. Nyaunglebin falls in SPDC demarcated Pegu Division and is under the patrol of the 3rd Brigade of the KNLA. The SPDC does not recognize Nyaunglebin or Toungoo as official districts.
Nyaunglebin District
On 25 February 2004, SPDC IB 73 detonated old ammunitions in Aye Gyi Goe, Pyi Daw Ther and The Pyi Nyo villages causing a large explosion. The explosion resulted in the death of 3 villagers, mental instability of 2 villagers, damage to a Buddhist school and damage to another school. In addition, many villagers had to deal with the damage. (Source: BI, 2004)
On 27 February 2004, troops from SPDC LIB 264 arrested, looted items from and killed 2 villagers from Shan Gyaung village in Mone Township. (Source: CIDKP, 2004)
On 28 February 2004, troops from SPDC LIB 264 arrested, looted items from and killed 2 villagers from Pan Gar Gon village at Ywa Sa Gaw road, Mone Township. The names and facts of the 4 killed villagers were inquired. The SPDC Division commander Maung Ni issued an order that any villagers found in Ywa Sa Gaw and Tu Kot Kho areas would be shot to death without question. (Source: CIDKP, 2004)
On 29 February 2004 at 4:30 pm, troops from SPDC LIB 382 Column 2 under control of Military Operation Command 3 came and shot at villagers in Thaw Nge Doe and Naw Lo Klo village, Kyauk Kyi Township. Saw Bay Lar (aka Saw Maung Aye, age 27), son of Saw Maung Wah and Naw Meh Shay from Naw Lor Klo village were killed. (Source: CIDKP, 2004)
On 3 March 2004, Sergeant Ka Lah from a unit of SPDC LIB 264, led by Tin Hlaing and Column Commander Win Hlaing, killed 6 villagers from Kho Pu village tract, Mone Township, which was said to be done on an order from his superior officer. The victims were:
1. Saw Htoe Kee, age 45;
2. Saw Pu La, age 28;
3. Saw Khree Heh, age 23;
4. Saw Htoe See, age 30;
5. Saw Hser Wah, age 22; and
6. Saw Taw Nay, age 22.
These villagers were arrested on 26 February 2004 by the troops while they were transporting betel leaf. (Source: CIDKP, 2004)
On 30 May 2004, Sergeant Ye Min of SPDC LIB 599 and the commander of Kyun-bin-seik camp came and shot Saw Has Kro to death. Saw Hsa Kro, a private from Company 1, Battalion 8 of the KNLA, went back home on leave on the invitation of his mother to take part in an animist traditional feast. He assumed that as there was a gentleman’s ceasefire agreement between the KNU and SPDC, it would be safe for him to go. (Source: KIC, 2004)
On 26 June 2004, troops from SPDC LIB 439 shot school teacher Saw Ner Moo from Thaw Doe Khee village to death at Hsaw Yaw Gaw Day without reason. He was a teacher in Shah Day village in Ler Kla village tract, Mone Township. (Source: KIC, 2004)
On 16 July 2004, soldiers of LIB 264 found 6 villagers climbing dog-fruit trees in the Htee Thoh Kee area of Mone Township. The soldiers pursued, caught, shot and killed the villagers between Hsaw Wah Day and Htee Thaw Kee villages. (Source: “Papun and Nyauglebin Districts: Continued Oppression During the Ceasefire,” KHRG, 9 September 2004)
On 29 September 2004, troops from SPDC LIB 599 based at Daung-taung camp arrested villagers, Win Myint and Ko Tin Win from Myaung Oo village, Mone Township, and killed them without reason. Moreover, the troops confiscated 2 acres of land from Myaung Oo villager U Aung Mya to construct their army camp. The troops also ordered Paw Pi Doe villagers to cut 200 poles of bamboo and Aung Cha Tha villagers to cut 300 poles. (Source: KIC, 2004)
Toungoo District
On 9 February 2004, troops from SPDC IB 224 led by Battalion Commander Myint Khaing burnt dawn 8 houses of internally displaced persons in Pa Wa area and also arrested 8 villagers. The troops beat villager Saw Po Peh, one of the arrested villagers, to death with out reason. Three SPDC troops released propaganda that all of the KNU had laid down their arms and as a result only few KNU members were remaining in Pa Wa area. These troops threatened that they would search and kill the few remaining KNU members and those who support them. (Source: CIDKP, 2004)
On 23 September 2004, troops from SPDC IB 73 Column 2 led by Major Maung Maung Soe shot at villagers in Tha Pan Chaung, killing Tin Myint Lay (age 30) from Zayat Gyi village, Tantabin Township. In addition, the troops looted 150,000 kyat from him. (Source: KIC, 2004)
Shan State
Kae-See Township
On 4 July 2004, a patrol of SPDC troops from LIB 514 forced Zaai Zit-Ta (male, age 34) from Wan Paang Loi Tawng village in Murng Nawng village tract, Kae-See Township, to serve as a guide and patrol the areas of deserted villages from which people had been forced to relocate some years ago. After 28-29 days, the troops shot and killed Zaai Zit-Ta near Naa Kaang village, a former village which had been relocated. Thereafter, the troops went to Nawng Paang village, Murng Yaang village tract, where they conscripted Lung Mo (male, age 51) as a guide. Lung Mo disappeared after 21-22 days and is also believed to have been killed by the soldiers. (Source: "Civilian Guides Shot Dead During Forced Labor in Kae-See," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, November 2004)
Kun-Hing Township
On 28 February 2004 at about 9:30 pm, 4 SPDC troops led by Commander Tin Soe from the artillery unit about 1 mile west of Kun-Hing town came into the town at quarter No.3. There, the troops arrested a woman named Naang Kham Ing, accused her of some wrong doing and took her to the military base. The following day, some villagers found Naang Kham Ing's dead body with a slit throat on the road which led to the military base. The body was about halfway between the village and the base. According to the local people, some time ago the SPDC commander had courted Naang Kham Ing, frequently visiting her house. Yet, Naang Kham Ing already had a boyfriend whom she later married. It was believed that this angered the SPDC commander and served as a motive for the killing. At the same time, the killers stole a gold necklace which she had been wearing. Her husband had been away visiting friends at the time of the incident and therefore went unharmed. (Source: "A Woman Cut to Death in the Throat, in Kun-Hing," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, June 2004)
On 3 April 2004, troops from IB 246 shot and killed Kaw Ma La (male, age 40) from Paang Nim village, Saai Mon village tract, Kun-Hing Township, while he was following soldiers' orders to keep watch at the village relocation site. Many different villages had been relocated to Paang Nim in 1996 and the area was under the patrol of both LIB 246 and 524. While Kaw Ma La was eating a meal in a roadside hut, the troops saw, shot and killed him. The troops claimed that they mistook Kaw Ma La for a Shan rebel and offered his family 20,000 kyat in compensation. The money was not enough to cover funeral costs. (Source: "A Displaced Villager Shot Dead During Forced Labor in Kun-Hing," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, October 2004)
On 24 August 2004, Lung Taan Lu (male, age 47) was on his way to Wan Lao village from Kun-Hing town on his bicycle to sell 4 small pigs. Although Lung Taan Lu was originally from Wan Lao village tract, Kun-Hing Township, he was forcibly relocated to the outer parts of Kun-Hin by SLORC troops in 1996. As he neared Long Maw, a relocated village, Lung Taan Lu encountered a patrol of 12 soldiers from the SPDC artillery unit stationed at the cemetery hill west of his town. The soldiers, led by Sgt Own Hlaing, proceeded to beat Lung Taan Lu to death, stole both his pigs and his bicycle and left his body 20 yards to the west of the road. His pigs were reportedly seen in the troop camp compound. In addition, soldiers were reportedly seen riding Lung Taan Lu's bicycle in town. (Source: "A Displaced Villager Beaten To Death and Robbed of His Pigs and Bicycle in Kun-Hing," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, December 2004)
On 1 September 2004, Zaai Wan-Na (male, age 27) and Zaai Ma-La (male, age 31), originally from Mai Saa Lee village in Ho Yaan village tract, which had been forcibly relocated to Kali village tract in 1997, went fishing. When Zaai Wan-Na went home, before Zaai Ma-La, he encountered approximately 28 soldiers from Co. No. 3 LIB 524, led by Commander Hla Hpe. Thereafter, the soldiers beat Zaai Wan-Na to death, threw his body into the Nam Paang River and stole his fish amounting to approximately 8kg. Zaai Ma-La followed later, saw the troops beating Zaai Wan-Na and ran away. (Source: "A Displaced Villager Beaten to Death, Robbed of His Fish, in Kun-Hing," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, January 2005)
Lai-Kha Township
On 24 March 2004, Zaai Wi (age 27) and his wife, Naang Kya (age 22), went to the forest outside of their village, which is a relocation site, by mini-tractor to gather bamboo. The couple was originally from Pa Moi village in Naa Mang village tract, Lai-Kha Township, but their village had been forcibly relocated to Lai-Kha town by SLORC troops in 1997. As the couple was returning, they encountered a patrol of approximately 45 to 50 soldiers from SPDC LIB 515 led by Captain Yan Naing Oo who stopped them. The troops recruited Zaai Wi to be their guide and told Naang Kya to return home alone with the tractor and wait for her husband there. Two to 3 days later, Zaai Wi had not returned home. As a result, Naang Kya made a complaint with the community leaders. Thereafter, she and the community leaders first went to the base of LIB 515 to inquire about her husband. The military authorities at the base claimed that they had not released any patrols in the last 2 months and refuted knowing anything about the situation. Next, Naang Kya and the community leaders went to the IB 64 base where the military authorities made similar claims. Nonetheless, Naang Kya and others heard that the SPDC soldiers had accused Zaai Wi of providing rice for Shan soldiers and interrogated him as to the whereabouts of the Shan soldiers. Because Zaai Wi was unable to reveal any information pertaining to the whereabouts of the Shan soldiers, the SPDC troops beat and tortured him while interrogating him until he died. Upon hearing this, the villagers searched for and found his body after 3 days. The villagers were able to identify Zaai Wi by his clothing and some physical traits. The villagers believe that the SPDC soldiers beat him to death. (Source: "A Displaced Farmer Conscripted As A Guide and Beaten to Death in Lai-Kha," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, June 2004)
On 6 April 2004, a patrol of about 45 SPDC soldiers from MOMC-21, based at Kho Lam village in Nam-Zarng Township, stopped Lung In-Ta (male, age 47) as he was going to his farm nearby to spend the night. Lung In-Ta was from Kung Sim village, Lai-Kha Township, and he was stopped approximately 2 miles north of his village. The SPDC soldiers questioned Lung In-Ta as to whether or not he knew the whereabouts of Shan soldiers in the area. When he repeatedly said he did not know, they tied him up, beat him all over, kicked and trampled his body until he lost consciousness. When Lung In-Ta regained consciousness it was daybreak and he was still at the place where he had been tortured, but there was no sign of the SPDC troops. He then managed to stagger back to his village with the help of a bamboo staff. As soon as he reached home, he related his plight to his wife. Lung In-Ta did not recover from the internal injuries he suffered during the torture by the SPDC troops and died at his house 10 days later. (Source: "A Villager Beaten and Trampled, Causing Death in Lai-Kha," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, August 2004)
On 7 June 2004, troops from LIB 525 beat 1 of 2 Maw Sem villagers to death near Maw Sem village, Wan Lur village tract, Lai-Kha Township. The villagers, Zaai In-Da (male, age 32) and Zaai Num (male) had gone to the forest with an ox-cart to gather bamboo because they were required to provide labor for building fences for the military. When Zaai Num went to relieve himself, a patrol of troops from LIB 525 came to the area. Zaai Num ran away but Zaai In-Da was unable to do so. The troops beat him to death next to his ox-cart. The troops also looted the 2 oxen for meat. When Zaa In-Da's relatives and village leader reported the incident to the military authorities, the authorities claimed Shan soldiers had perpetrated the murder based on evidence found at the site. (Source: "A Bamboo Gatherer Beaten to Death in Lai-Kha," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, October 2004)
Murng-Kerng Township
On 20 March 2004, Commander Lun Maung from LIB 514 stopped a civilian car driven by Zaai Thun Ae at a checkpoint in order to conscript it for forced labor. Yet, Zaai Htun Ae was just on his was home from providing 3 days of forced labor for a different SPDC troop. Zaai Thun Ae tried to explain that he had just finished performing forced labor for different troops and asked Commander Lun Maung to conscript a different car instead. As a result, Commander Lun Maung became angry, asked Zaai Thun Ae whether he was the owner or not and ordered him to get out of the car. As Zaai Thun Ae got out of the car and said that he was only a driver and not the owner, the commander hit him on the back of his neck with the butt of a rifle. Zaai Thun Ae fell down and the blow killed him immediately. When an inquiry was made about his death, however, the SPDC soldiers claimed that Zaai Thun Ae had fallen and hit his head on the side of the car which resulted in his death. (Source: "A Civilian Driver Beaten to Death for Refusing to Provide Forced Labor in Murng-Kerng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, April 2004)
On 22 March 2004, SPDC troops ordered Zaai Pho Ma (male, age 24), from Murng-Kerng town quarter No.5, to use his mini-tractor to collect bamboo to be used for repairing fences at a military camp in Murng-Kerng Township. When he was ready to leave with his mini-tractor full of bamboo, a patrol of soldiers from SPDC LIB 515 based in Lai-Kha arrived. The soldiers beat Zaai Pho Ma to death with a bamboo stick which they left lying next to his body close to his mini-tractor. When Zaai Pho Ma's family heard that a patrol of SPDC soldiers had been seen in the area where he was working and he did not come home by the time that he should have, they grew worried and went to search for him. They found his body next to his mini-tractor and the bamboo stick that the troops used to beat him. No one dared complain to the authorities about the incident. (Source: "Mini-tractor Owner Beaten to Death during Forced Labor in Murng-Kerng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, August 2004)
On 18 November 2004, Wi-Sa-La and his family went to harvest rice at their farm situated outside their village, Khaai San village, Ham Ngaai village tract, Murng-Kerng Township. Around noon, the family stopped working to eat. At that time, Wi-Sa-La went to a brook nearby to get some water when he was discovered by a patrol of 20 to 25 soldiers from SPDC LIB 514 led by Commander Myint Zaw. From some distance, the soldiers proceeded to shoot and kill Wi-Sa-La without warning. When the soldiers realized they had killed a simple farmer and that his family was nearby, they reportedly departed. (Source: "A Farmer Shot Dead While Fetching Water in Murng-Kerng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, March 2005)
Murng-Nai Township
On 14 April 2004, a patrol of troops from SPDC LIB 596 led by Capt. Ong Kyaw conscripted 15 members of the people’s militia from Kun Mong village tract, Kaeng Tawng area, Murng-Nai Township, to join the patrol. For 11-12 days, the group patrolled abandoned villages in the relocation areas of Murng-Nai and Kun-Hing Townships. At that time, the soldiers inquired as to whether or not any of the militia members had come from the villages in Kun-Hing which had been relocated to Kun Mong village tract, Murng-Nai. Only 2 men out of the 15 militia members had been relocated from Wan Lao village tract, Kun-Hing Township, to Kun Mong village tract, Murng-Nai Township. All of the others were originally from the Kaeng Tawng area of Murng-Nai Township. The SPDC soldiers separated the 2 men from the group and ordered then to lead the patrol based on the idea that they might know their way around the area they were patrolling as they were originally from there. As the patrol approached Naa Waai village, Wan Lao village tract, Kun-Hing Township, which is a relocated village, several soldiers shot their guns off in the air. At the same time, other soldiers proceeded to take action as if a battle was ensuing by spreading out and shooting their guns as well. As the shooting ensued, the militia members were confused and the SPDC soldiers shot and killed the 2 men who had been forced to lead the group through the area. The SPDC soldiers claimed that the 2 men had been killed when Shan soldiers ambushed the patrol. Local villagers reportedly do not believe the SPDC soldiers' claims because no one knew of any Shan soldiers in the area at that time. In addition, there were rumors that the SPDC troops in Kaeng Tawng area of Murng-Nai Township were attempting to kill anyone who had money or flouted their orders in anyway. (Source: "Two Members of People’s Militia Shot Dead in Kun-Hing," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, August 2004)
Murng-Paeng Township
On 3 May 2004, a patrol of approximately 30 soldiers from IB 43 led by Commander Myint Hla shot and killed 3 villagers, 1 brother and 2 sisters, near Paang Hok village, Murng Pu Awn village tract, Murng-Paeng Township. The 3 villagers were Zaai Zing (male, age 21), Naang Kham (female, age 18) and Naang My (female, age 14). The 3 were returning from their rice farm when they encountered the soldiers who killed them on the spot without question or warning. (Source: "Brother and Sisters Shot Dead in A Group in Murng-Paeng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, October 2004)
On 9 June 2004, 4 SPDC soldiers from LIB 525 led by a corporal came to the home of Naang Mya Ung (female, age 22) and informed her that their Major had ordered the confiscation of her pig. Instead of immediately complying, Naang Mya Ung contested that it was her only pig and she planned to sell it to obtain rice. She implored the soldiers to confiscate a pig from an owner who had more than one. Nevertheless, the soldiers took her pig as Naang Mya Ung shouted for help saying that SPDC soldiers were stealing her pig. The soldiers then shot and killed her, loaded her pig onto a truck and drove away. Naang Mya Ung’s parents and the community leaders attempted to lodge a complaint with the military authorities at the LIB 525 base. Yet when they went to the base, they were told to come back later as the commander had gone away for approximately 10 days and had not yet come back. (Source: "A Displaced Woman Shot Dead, Her Pig Stolen in Larng-Khur," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, August 2004)
On 7 July 2004, troops from IB 43 shot and killed Lung Paw Murng (male, age 53), Zaai Mu (male, age 27) and Zaai Thu (male, age 31). The 3 victims were farmers from Huay Sawn village, Murng Pu Awn village tract, Murng-Paeng Township. They were returning from weeding their rice plots, some distance from their village, when they encountered the soldiers approximately half a mile from their farms. The soldiers left an imposter letter from Shan State Army (SSA) Lt. Naw Kham accusing the villagers of failing to meet demands for rice, chickens and pigs. (Source: "3 Villagers Returning from Their Farm Shot Dead in A Group in Murng-Paeng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, November 2004)
Murng-Paeng Township
On 3 May 2004, a patrol of approximately 30 soldiers from IB 43 led by Commander Myint Hla shot and killed 3 villagers, 1 brother and 2 sisters, near Paang Hok village, Murng Pu Awn village tract, Murng-Paeng Township. The 3 villagers were Zaai Zing (male, age 21), Naang Kham (female, age 18) and Naang My (female, age 14). The 3 were returning from their rice farm when they encountered the soldiers who killed them on the spot without question or warning. (Source: "Brother and Sisters Shot Dead in A Group in Murng-Paeng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, October 2004)
On 7 July 2004, troops from IB 43 shot and killed Lung Paw Murng (male, age 53), Zaai Mu (male, age 27) and Zaai Thu (male, age 31). The 3 victims were farmers from Huay Sawn village, Murng Pu Awn village tract, Murng-Paeng Township. They were returning from weeding their rice plots, some distance from their village, when they encountered the soldiers approximately half a mile from their farms. The soldiers left an imposter letter from Shan State Army (SSA) Lt. Naw Kham accusing the villagers of failing to meet demands for rice, chickens and pigs. (Source: "3 Villagers Returning from Their Farm Shot Dead in A Group in Murng-Paeng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, November 2004)
On 9 June 2004, 4 SPDC soldiers from LIB 525 led by a corporal came to the home of Naang Mya Ung (female, age 22) and informed her that their Major had ordered the confiscation of her pig. Instead of immediately complying, Naang Mya Ung contested that it was her only pig and she planned to sell it to obtain rice. She implored the soldiers to confiscate a pig from an owner who had more than one. Nevertheless, the soldiers took her pig as Naang Mya Ung shouted for help saying that SPDC soldiers were stealing her pig. The soldiers then shot and killed her, loaded her pig onto a truck and drove away. Naang Mya Ung’s parents and the community leaders attempted to lodge a complaint with the military authorities at the LIB 525 base. Yet when they went to the base, they were told to come back later as the commander had gone away for approximately 10 days and had not yet come back. (Source: "A Displaced Woman Shot Dead, Her Pig Stolen in Larng-Khur," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, August 2004)
Murng-Pan Township
On 6 February 2004, 5 soldiers from SPDC LIB 332 fetched and escorted Lung Wa-Ling Laai (male, age 59), a villager from Wan Mai Tin Tap village in Ho Phaai Long village tract, Murng-Pan Township, to the military base under the pretense that the commander wanted to see him. He was interrogated at the military base after being accused of providing Shan soldiers with assistance through food and information. His hands were tied together and he was asked to reveal where the Shan soldiers could be found. Yet, Lung Wa-Ling Laai indicated that he had no idea and had not provided food for any Shan soldiers. The soldiers tortured and beat him all over his body during the interrogation which persisted until approximately 4:00 pm. At that time, the soldiers ordered a regular civilian to transport Lung Wa-Ling Laai back to his home by mini-tractor where he was able to share his experience with his family. He died at 10:00 pm that evening. (Source: "An Elderly Villager Tortured to Death, A Mini-Tractor Ordered to Take Him Home, in Murng-Pan," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, May 2004)
On 29 June 2004, a patrol of approximately 35 troops from LIB 520 led by Commander Aung Htun beat a Ho Phaai Long villager to death. The victim, Lung Kawn (male, age 49), was gathering thatch for roofing materials in a field about 4 km south of his village when the troops found him. Lung Kawn was forcibly relocated to Ho Phaai Long village from Paang Kwaau Tai village tract, Murng-Pan Township, in 1999. Local villagers reported that he was a quiet villager and could not find any reasonable justification for his death. (Source: "A Displaced Villager Beaten to Death in Murng-Pan," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, October 2004)
On 1 October 2004, Zaai Oo (male, age 17) took his 2 draught oxen to graze in the forest outside of Murng-Pan town. Zaai Oo was originally from Wan Pung village but had been forcibly relocated to Murng-Pan town. While the oxen were grazing, Zaai Oo took a rest in an abandoned farm hut. At the time, a group of SPDC soldiers came along and took the 2 oxen while 1 of the soldiers went into the hut and shot and killed Zaai Oo. Lung Saw (male, age 40) was in a nearby farm at the time and witnessed the incident but was unable to identify the troop number. Shortly there after, the 2 oxen belonging to Zaai Oo were seen grazing in the LIB 520 base. As a result, the villagers concluded that soldiers from LIB 520 had been responsible for stealing the oxen and for killing Zaai Oo. (Source: "A Displaced Villager Shot Dead, His Oxen Stolen, in Murng-Pan," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, February 2005)
On 23 October 2004, Lung Thun (male, age 46), Lung Kham (male, age 40), Zaai Gu-Na (male, age 22) and Zaai Ma-La (male, age 19), all villagers from Ho Lin village in Naa Law village tract, Murng-Pan Township, went together into the forest to gather Mai-Hawm wood. On 26 October 2004, after searching and camping in the forest for 3 days and managing to gather some Mai-Hawm wood, the villagers ran into a patrol of about 25-28 SPDC troops from LIB 520, led by Commander Thein Maung. After learning that the 4 villagers were gathering Mai-Hawm wood, the SPDC troops beat them to death one after another at different places. A villager from the same village who went to collect bamboo the next day, 27 October 2004, found the dead body of Lung Thun lying in the forest about 25 yards away from the road. On 28 October 2004, some SPDC troops, including Private Maung Htwe (age 21), told the villagers that 2 days before, they had killed 4 Shan rebels who were gathering Mai-Hawm wood in the forest to be sold in the town market and that they had taken the Mai-Hawm wood for themselves. (Source: "4 Forest Gatherers Beaten to Death in Murng-Pan," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, February 2005)
Murng-Sart Township
On 31 August 2004, Lung Lu (aka Lung Lu Taa Long, aka big-eyed Lung Lu, male, age 61) was going to visit his children and relatives at their farms outside of Murng Tum village. The previous night, Lung Lu had made merit with 18 to 20 other villager elders at a Buddhist temple. As he was going to his children, he encountered a group of SPDC soldiers which were stationed in Murng Turn, Murng Tum village tract, Murng-Sart Township. The soldiers questioned and searched him, discovering 4,700 kyat and a gold decoration weighing approximately ½ baht. The soldiers proceeded to beat Lung Lu to death and stole the items that they had found. (Source: "An Elderly Man Beaten to Death, Robbed of His Valuables, In Murng-Sart," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, December 2004)
Murng-Su Township
On 11 March 2004, soldiers from SPDC LIB 326 based in Tang-Yarn conscripted 15 villagers from Paang Kham Saai, Luk Niu and Nam Aang villages in Nawng Ep village tract, Murng-Su Township, to build fences at a military outpost in Murng-Su Township. As the villagers were performing the work, a few soldiers from LIB 326 selected and removed 3 young men from the group. After that time, the men did not return. When their relatives and the community leaders made inquiries as to their whereabouts, the SPDC troops indicated that they had dismissed all the villagers at 4 pm on the same day. A few weeks later, some villagers found 3 fresh graves not too far from the military base where the 3 men had been working. The villagers unearthed the graves and identified the 3 young people by their clothing, which were the same as what they were wearing when they were separated from the other laborers. The physical characteristics were unrecognizable. One of the 3 victims was Zaai Pan-Ta (male, age 28) from Paang Kham Saai village in Nawng Ep village tract, Murng-Su Township. The names of the other 2 were not known at the time the information was gathered. (Source: "Disappearance and Killings During Forced Labor in Murng–Su," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, July 2004)
Murng-Ton Township
On 16 August 2004, troops from IB 225 led by Aung Loon reportedly beat 2 male villagers, who were returning from cutting wood in the evening, to death. The 2 villagers were from Wan Mai village, Mae Ken village tract, Murng-Ton Township. The 2 victims were Zaai Nung (age 20) and Zaai Mint (age 19). They had encountered the soldiers 1 mile north of their village. Their bodies were found by their relatives the following day, the same day that IB 225 left the area. (Source: "2 Villagers Returning from Cutting Wood Beaten to Death in Murng-Ton," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, November 2004)
On 18 August 2004, a Lahu couple were working on their remote farm when a patrol of 35 soldiers from SPDC LIB 225 led by Captain Aung Lwin encountered them. The soldiers proceeded to beat the couple to death and stole their possessions. The victims were Ja-Ka (male, age 48) and Ja-Nu (female, age 40) from Nawng Khem village, Me Ken village, Murng-Ton Township. The soldiers reportedly claimed that 2 viss of raw opium and 1,000 tablets of methamphetamines were discovered in the couple's farm hut. (Source: "A Lahu Couple Beaten to Death in Murng-Ton," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, December 2004)
On 9 October 2004, a Lahu couple, Ja Mu and his wife, Na-Kha, and their 10-year-old son were in their farm hut when a column of about 30 Wa soldiers from United Wa State Army (UWSA) passed through their farm. The soldiers were some distance away, did not come closer, and shot at the hut without warning. The 10-year-old son ran out of the hut to the forest and back to their village when the shooting commenced. Ja Mu and Na-Kha were both shot several times and died before they were able to get out of the hut. The son was able to relay the details of the situation to relatives who went to the hut, accompanied by other Lahu villagers. The Lahu villagers reportedly believe that the Wa soldiers were part of a drug convoy and perhaps believed the couple in the hut was spying on them and therefore killed them. (Source: "A Lahu Couple Shot Dead by Wa Soldiers in Murng Ton," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, February 2005)
Nam-Zarng Township
On 28 January 2004, a patrol of SPDC troops from LIB 516 under the command of Military Operation Management Command No.21 came to Loi La village, Loi La village tract, Kun-Hing Township. There, the soldiers stole clothes, food, money, utensils and valuable items from the villagers. The total value of the items stolen was more than 11 million kyat. The SPDC soldiers also arrested the following 3 villagers in Loi La village tract area:
1. Lung Haeng Phaw-Ka, male, age 42, the village tract headman;
2. Lung Zan-Da Yawng, male, from Kung Niu village; and
3. Na-Lin, male, age 33, from Loi La village.
On 29 January 2004, Na-Lin was killed after having endured interrogation and torture which had caused him to lose several teeth. While Lung Zan-Da Yawng and Lung Haeng Phaw-Ka were taken to the troops' base, interrogated, tortured and beaten, their fate was not known at the time of this report. In addition, the soldiers reportedly indiscriminately beat people with sticks while going around the village and stealing from the villagers. According to one villager, “There was hardly anyone in the village, men and women, young and old, who had not tasted their sticks.” (Source: "Villagers Robbed, Arrested, Tortured and Killed in Nam-Zarng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, June 2004)
From early 2004 up to the time of this report, May 2004, people in Nam-Zarng Township were forced to work on road construction between Kho Lam village in Nam-Zarng Township and Wan Zing village in Kae-See Township. About 30 to 50 people from each village had to go and work for 15 days at a time on a rotation basis. As a result, there were always 250 to 300 laborers working on the road at a time. The laborers had to provide their own food during the forced labor and use their own tools to work. If the soldiers felt that laborers were not working fast enough or hard enough, they scolded and/or beat the laborers. In March 2004, soldiers from IB 9 shot and killed a man named Zaai Mawng who was accused of not working hard enough. Zaai Mawng had been beaten 2 times prior to being shot. At that time, IB 9 was supervising the construction. Zaai Mawng was a displaced person who had been relocated from Kaad Yaang village, Wan Lur village tract, Lai-Kha Township, several years before. The soldiers shot and killed Zaai Mawng in front of the other laborers. The soldiers warned the laborers that they would suffer the same lot if they didn't want to work for the military. The soldiers then ordered the laborers to bury Zaai Mawng's body away from the main road. (Source: "A Forced Laborer Shot In Front Of Other during Forced Labor in Nam Zarng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, July 2004)
On 19 November 2004, Zaai Mawng Nyunt (male, age 29) was going around Nam-Zarng town relocation site for the purposes of collecting information with which to inform the local SPDC company commander. At approximately 10:30 pm, Zaai Mawng Nyunt was shot and killed by troops patrolling the area. The victim had reportedly been able to survive by providing information to Khin Maung Lat, commander of SPDC IB 66 Company No. 3, as he could speak Burmese. The victim, originally from Haai Phak village, would receive payments of some kind for the information that he provided. It was reported that prior to being killed, one of the SPDC soldiers commented, "“Mawng Nyunt, you are Shan. By acting as an informer for us, aren’t you being a traitor to your own kind and how could you be trustworthy to us?” (Source: "A Villager Shot Dead in Nam-Zarng Town," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, March 2005)
On 23 November 2004, 2 displaced farmers were reaping rice at their rice fields in Ton Hung Mawkzili village, Ton Hung village tract, Nam-Zarng Township, where they lived prior to being forcibly relocated to Kho Lam village tract, Kho Nam-Zarng Township, in 1996. The 2 farmers, Zaai Kaw (male, age 37) and Zaai Tink (male, age 30) had previously returned to their original farms to plant the rice and did not face any problems. Yet, when they returned to reap the rice, they were found by a patrol from SPDC MOMC No. 21 based in Kho Lam. The soldiers proceed to shoot at the 2 farmers, killing Zaai Kaw and hitting Zaai Tink in the stomach. While Zaai Tink was able to abscond to his village, he died the same night from his injury. (Source: "Displace Farmers Shot Dead While Reaping Rice in Nam-Zarng," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, March 2005)
Tang-Yarn Township
On 2 July 2004, a group of SPDC soldiers stole 2 oxen from and beat a 13-year-old boy to death near Murng Kaao village, Murng Kaao village tract, Tang-Yarn Township, Shan State. The boy, Zaai Khaw Law, had been grazing his family's 2 oxen in a field south of the village when the soldiers found him and took away the oxen. When Zaai Khaw Law ran after them in an attempt to retrieve his oxen, the soldiers beat and kicked him into a ditch. Zaai Leak, a friend of Zaai Khaw Law, saw the incident and ran back to inform the villagers. When a group of villagers went to the area, they found Zaai Khaw Laek dead. While the villagers were still able to see the soldiers taking the oxen away, they were too far away to be identified. (Source: "A Boy Beaten to Death and Robbed of His Oxen in Tang-Yarn," SHRF Monthly Report, SHRF, November 2004)
Note: Mergui-Tavoy District is an area demarcated by the KNU as part of Karen territory. Mergui-Tavoy falls into SPDC demarcated Tenasserim Division and is under the patrol of the 4th Brigade of the KNLA. The SPDC does not recognize Mergui-Tavoy as an official district.
On 17 January 2004, Saw Ee Sa from Mae Wah village, 70 miles southeast of Mergui, was captured by SPDC troops from IB 224, led by Lt. Col. Myint Naing, while at his village. The troops brought him to Kyain Chaung village and killed him arbitrarily near by the village church. (Source: Monthly Human Rights Situation Report; Tenasserim Division, Mergui-Tavoy District Information Department, KNU, January 2004)
On 9 February 2004, Burmese troops from IB 224 led by Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Myint Naing burnt down 8 houses in Pawa area, 60 miles southeast of Mergui. These troops captured 23 internally displaced persons (including 12 children) and killed 1 named Saw Hpo Pe. (Source: Monthly Human Rights Situation Report; Tenasserim Division, Mergui-Tavoy District Information Department, KNU, February 2004)
On 28 February 2004, Lt. Col. Myint Naing from IB 224 arrested a villager from Pawat, Tenasserim Township, Mergui District, and beat him severely. After that, Saw Wah Lay was submitted to Tenasserim town hospital but the hospital could not help. He was taken back to his home where he died from the pain 2 weeks later. (Source: Monthly Human Rights Situation Report; Tenasserim Division, Mergui-Tavoy District Information Department, KNU, February 2004)
On 28 February 2004, Burmese troops from LIB 558 Column 1 headed by Lt. Col. Than Daing killed Saw Rotex (age 18), son of Saw Rayner, from Panwepoklo, Palaw Township, Mergui District. A villager found the corpse of Saw Rotex with a broken leg and 1 empty eye near his hiding place in Tah Meh Lor. His friend Saw Ne Thaw (age 16), son of Saw Ni San, was wounded in the knee after he managed to escape. (Source: Monthly Human Rights Situation Report; Tenasserim Division, Mergui-Tavoy District Information Department, KNU, February 2004)
On 12 April 2004, the Burmese army IB 224 captured 6 people in Manoroe village in Tenessarim Township. Saw Myint Thein was 1 of the 6 captured. He was killed by the army for no reason. On the same day, the troops burnt down Saw She Hter's house. He estimated the value of his house and possessions to be 200,000 kyat. (Source: Monthly Human Rights Situation Report; Tenasserim Division, Mergui-Tavoy Information Department, KNU, April 2004)
On 30 April 2004, Pu Ku, an old IDP from Kadinchaung Mayanchaung in Tenasserim Township, stepped on a landmine that had been planted in the Kadin area by Burmese Army IB 224. The villagers from Kadin said Pu Ku would have survived if he had been sent to the hospital. The Burmese Army didn't allowed Pu Ku to go to the hospital. They killed him immediately. (Source: Monthly Human Rights Situation Report; Tenasserim Division, Mergui-Tavoy Information Department, KNU, April 2004)
On 11 June 2004 at 7:40 am, troops from SPDC LIB 385 Column 2 led by Lt. Col. Htin Maung Htun fired on villagers in Htee Thit-ka Hkee village in Ker-ser Doh Township without reason. The shooting killed 2 men, 1 woman and injured a child. The victims were:
1. Saw Pa Eh, male, age 35;
2. Saw Di Doh, male, age 30; and
3. Naw Say La, female, age 28.
(Source: KIC, 2004)
On 26 June 2004, troops from SPDC IB 101 Column-2 led by column commander Captain Kyaw Lwin Oo fired on villagers hiding at Lay-law-ka-ti-khee in the Ma-noe-roe area. These troops fired on the hut of Saw Ready, breaking the arm of Saw Ready’s wife, Naw Aung Thein May (age 38). They seized Naw Ka Ah, daughter of U Hla Maung, raped her and then shot her to death on the spot. The troops cut away her ears and took her earrings and other items worth 90,000 kyat, 3 muzzle-loaders and 1 basket of rice. (Source: KIC, 2004)
On 27 September 2004, Burma Army troops attached Hsaw K'daw Hta, Mergui-Tavoy District. During the attack, 3 villagers were killed. The 3 villagers were:
1. Saw Bua, male, age 46;
2. Saw Yin Poe, male, age 40; and
3. Naw Ah, female, age 45.
Saw See Pa Thru, a KNLA medic (male, age 45) was also killed. (Source: FBR, 2004)
On 22 November 2004 at 2:45 pm, the active company from LIB 561 column 1 under the control of Operation Command 13 led by Maung Maung Kyaw found and shot at villagers who were hiding between Aung Tha Wa Ra village and Mae Ngau village (damaged village), located in the eastern part of Pa-law Township. The troops destroyed and burnt down 5 plantation huts and 5 cultivation huts belonging to the hiding villagers. One hiding villager was shot to death while the troops arrested them and accused them of attempting to run away. (Source: ABSDF, 2004)
2.3 Personal Accounts
Source:
Free Burma Rangers
Interview Date: 25 June 2004
Name: Xxx Xxx (name withheld)
Sex: Female
Age: 33 years old
Marital Status: Married, five children
Husband's name: Xxx Xxx (name withheld)
Village: Xxx Xxx, Karenni State
Her husband's father and mother and brother were killed by the Karenni National
Solidarity Organization (KNSO) in February 2004. They were told by the KNSO that
they were to go to the Mawchi forced relocation site, but didn't want to go. The
KNSO told them that anyone who is a follower of resistance leaders should run
away to another country, but those who wanted peace should go (to Mawchi). The
family was separated after they fled their village, with her parents-in-law in
one place, her brother-in-law in another and herself and her husband in a third
place. She and her husband left their village on 13 February 2004 to go into
hiding.
On 27 February at midnight, her brother-in-law was hunting in the jungle and was killed by KNSO troops. Also on 27 February at 5am, her mother-in-law and father-in-law were killed by KNSO troops. On 28 February, the troops burned their bodies. There were two other villagers with her in-laws who escaped the KNSO troops with only some injuries and they told her what happened to her family. Her family first went to a district in Karen State, but it was too difficult to survive, so they moved to this hiding site.
Two of her sisters have been arrested and were beaten by the KNSO (slapped and
punched). They were accused of supporting the Karenni resistance forces. One of
her nephews, accused of supporting the Karenni resistance forces, was arrested
by the KNSO and sent to Loikaw prison, where he was tortured with electric
shocks. When his wife went to visit him in prison, she was not allowed to see
him.
"Now I am in a strange place where I can't find my way around. The leaders here
have made good arrangements, but I don't know what happened to my rice barn or
my parents' rice barn."
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