A So Zang villager died after being beat up by Burmese military soldiers when he got in their way while they were extorting money from a cyclist in Teddim Township, Chin State, Burma.
Thang Hmung died in the Teddim hospital from severe injuries to the head.
Mr. Thang Do Lian, a leader of the Teddim Township National League for Democracy (NLD), said Thang Hmung was just trying to help when he got in the middle of a quarrel between the two Burmese soldiers, one policeman and a cyclist.
“Thang Hmung just tried to be a mediator in the quarrel which started after the soldiers and police officer were trying to extort money from owners of unlicensed motor cycles. But the soldiers brutally beat him. He sustained injuries on his head,” he said.
The police officer from Kalemyo, Sagaing division has been arrested but the two soldiers fled the scene.
A Hakha police inspector, who has been assigned to investigate the case, will visit the location of the assault.
Incidents involving quarrels between authorities and civilians happen frequently in Teddim Township.
On June 29, Miss Ma Mang, owner of 528 restaurant, was assaulted by Burmese Military Security Service Corporal Zin Htwe when she refused to give him credit for alcohol.