Kachin Civilians Face Intimidation, Torture and Extortion by Burmese Army Troops

By Tsa Doi La / Kachinland News | February 18, 2018

The Gat Noi-based Burmese army’s 225th Light Infantry Battalion troops reportedly seized 35-year-old Mr. Ah Di of Seng Hpra village during a fishing trip at Nam Ya creek at the foot of Woi Bum in Hpakant township on February 17. The Burmese army troops accused the victim of being a KIA member torturing him at will. Mr. Ah Di was later released sustaining serious injuries from the ruthless beatings.

On February 16 in Putao region, a group of 19 volunteers including KBC pastors who were en route to attending the opening ceremony of a new school were reportedly forced to turn back. Combined forces of Burmese army troops belonging to 137th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) and local militia troops allegedly fired several shots as the volunteers approached Machyang Baw. The Burmese army troops then reportedly interrogated the travelling civilians detaining three youth volunteers. The abductees were released at around 7:00 p.m . after senior pastors intervened, the KLN has learnt.

Since February 15, the Lamung-based local militia troops have been forcibly using Lisu students to man the village security checkpoint in Pin Rang Hka village, located south of Dabyi Hka by Danai Hka, a frontline source reported.

On the same day, Catholic pastor Mr. Nhkai La of Awng Lawt village and his entourage travelling in a motor boat were forcibly stopped by a 4-men strong Burmese army unit led by a second lieutenant at around 2:20 p.m. along Pang Shi Hka in Danai township. It was reported that the Burmese army troops allegedly took 200,000 Kyats before letting the civilians go.

In northern Shan state, Burmese army troops stopped and searched passersby who were travelling between Pang Sai and Mungkoe on February 15. It is quite unusual for Burmese soldiers to set up a checkpoint and search passersby in that area, a local traveler reported.