Burmese soldiers, who have been patrolling in Kawkareik and Kyar-Inn-Seik-Gyi townships, recently opened fire on the villages, resulting in injuries to several children, according to villagers.

Burmese Army battalions LIB 402, 405, and 406 under the MOC 8 opened fire on Mae Kyu Village on March 5. These battalions are led by Strategic Commander Zaw Thein. According to a local, a Buddhist novice, age 14, was injured.

The novice, named Shin Thuhan, received a gunshot wound to his left thigh. According to the local, the Burmese Army gave 20,000 Kyat to the novice for medical treatment.

According to a report issued by the KNU today, a young girl in Ywar Thit Kon Village was also injured on the left side of her chest after LIB 547 opened fire on the village on March 4. The LIB 547 is led by Lt. Ye Tun, and is based in Kaw Noi Village of Kawkareik Township.

Likewise, a student, age 13, was killed in Kyar-Inn-Seik-Gyi Township in November 2010 because the Burmese Army shelled heavy weapons to the village.

Villagers are increasingly anxious about living in their villages because of the Burmese Army’s recent aggressions in the area.