Shan Group: Burmese Government Troops Shell Civilian Area and Commit Human Rights Abuses

Update by the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF), October 22, 2014

Burmese government troops again shell civilian area, commit other human rights abuses in Ke See township

During October 12-18, 2014, the Burmese government troops continued to commit abuses against civilians during their ongoing offensive against the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (a.k.a Shan State Army-North or SSA-N) in Ke See township, central Shan State. SHRF has documented the arrest and torture of five villagers, as well as “house arrest” of seven women and girls, including a heavily pregnant woman. On October 13, shells were again fired into a civilian area, damaging housing and killing livestock, and causing over 180 villagers to seek shelter in a local temple. 

The shelling and abuses took place in villages which lie in an area from which the SSPP/SSA were ordered to withdraw on October 8, 2014 by the Kholam-based Burma Army’s Central Eastern Command. The SSPP/SSA has refused to withdraw, since this area has been under their jurisdiction for decades, and the current Burma Army operations and pressure to move are in violation of their ceasefire agreement.

Details of abuses:

Three villagers arrested, beaten in Ngu Lerm village

On October 12, three male villagers from Wan Ngu Lerm were arrested by Burma Army troops based in Loilem. Their names were: Sai Nu, 35 years old, Sai Swe 29 years old, and Sarng Jarm 52 years old.  They were accused of being Shan soldiers, interrogated and beaten. Sarng Jarm, who was badly traumatized, was released on the same day, after some other villagers intervened, but has since left the village and does not dare return to his house. Sai Nu and Sai Swe were released the next day.

Seven women put under “house arrest” for six days in Pha Song village

On October 12, seven women and girls from Wan Ngu Lerm and Wan Pasaung were detained by troops of Burma Army LIB 326 and 523 stationed around and in Wan Pasaung. They were ordered to remain in the house of Sayama (Teacher) Nguen Hom in Wan Pasaung, and forbidden from leaving the house for six days. They were allowed to leave the house only on October 18. Those who were forbidden to leave the house were:

1. Nai Sar (aged 70)
2. Nang Aung Ou (aged 30)
3. Nang Mart (aged 28)
4. Nang Jarm Nyunt (aged 17)
5. Nang Leun (aged 14)
6. Nang Ou (aged 32)
7. Nang Mon Jing (aged 18)

The elder sister of the house owner was pregnant and at first the Burma Army wouldn’t let her leave the house. However, later she was allowed to leave for hospital in Ke See to give birth.

According to one of the Wan Pasaung villagers, the Burmese soldiers stationed around and inside Wan Pasaung are taking rice, pigs, other food and property from the villagers as they wish. The Burma Army soldiers who are stationed in Wan Ngu Lerm are also preparing to build their base in the village, by cutting wood and bamboo.

Shelling of village causes over 180 civilians to seek shelter in temple in Pan Ze village

On October 13, before a Burma Army helicopter landed at one of their nearby bases, one of the Burma Army units, 294, fired over 20 (60 mm) mortar shells from their base in Wan Ta Pharn village into Pan Ze village and the surrounding area. Due to the shelling, the house of Sai Saung was damaged, a cow was killed, and all villagers (over 180) of Pan Ze had to take refuge in Pan Ze temple.

Two farmers arrested, beaten, tied up overnight in Pan Ze village

On October 14, at 3 pm, two villagers, Sai Kam, age 25, and Loong Kham, age 55, from Pan Ze village were arrested while on their way to their farm by Burma Army troops based in Loilem.

The two villagers were hit in the head and face with the butts of guns, and tied up until the next morning. They were released at 11 am. This particular Burma Army unit has also been taking and eating food and supplies from Pan Ze villagers, till they have almost run out.

Currently, the villagers around the conflict area have been facing shortages of food, since they are forbidden to transport goods and travel.

Statement: Shan | Burmese | English

Maps: Shan | Burmese | English

For further information, contact

Sai Hor Hseng             66:  (0) 93-264-9487   (Shan, English)

Nang Kwarn Lake        66: (0) 84-668-0984   (Burmese, English)