According to SHAN sources, a Burmese unit from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 324 patrolling in Mong Yen tract, east of Namtu, northern Shan State, stepped on the landmines causing death and injuries.
On Thursday, 28March, at 8.30 am local time, a Burma army patrol from the said LIB324 stepped on a landmine planted by an unknown group between Kawng Kha and Kawng Hung villages, a distance of 9 miles from Mong Yen motorway. “There were 2 deaths and 4 injuries,” said Sai Kham, a Namtu local, speaking to SHAN.
A 150-strong Burma army unit from LIB324 was patrolling in that area and around for 3 – 4 days when the incident took place. They [Burma army] said they were there to protect Shwe gas-oil pipeline project areas, said villagers.
Due to the difficulties of transportation, the remains of dead soldiers were cremated at the site when the incident took place, said the local village tract chief.
“They were searching for vehicles or Tolajis (farm tractors) to transport the remains, but could not find any. So, they just cremated the dead bodies for their convenience. They are from Nana base.”
“The government army was attacking Laiza when there were conflicts between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Arakan (Rakkhine) State. In the same vein, now when there is another Buddhist-Muslim conflict in central Burma, the army is attacking the Shan army,” said a member of Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).
On the day the incident took place, there was a 50-strong unit from LIB 501 based in Kyaukme reportedly making a fake battle at a place 2-mile distant from Pang Woe village, Hsai Khao tract in Namtu township. Although there were no report of casualties to the villagers, they dared not to go to their farmlands, said the village headman.
The Burma army was shelling the place with machine guns, the local sources said.
“Following the incident, on in the following morning, Sai Tun Aye and Sai Leng, carpenters from Hsai Khao tract on their way to work in Mong Yen tract, met with the LIB 501. They were interrogated as to where they were going and what ethnic group they belong. The two responded that they were Shan and going for work at Na Hai village. One of the soldiers immediately punched Sai Tun Aye’s face, even now he is still suffering from the injury and has some spots on his face,” said Sai Ai, a villager.
On the other hand, a ceasefire armed group, Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) is active in the area. “Nevertheless, clashes between both sides occur frequently. Following the clashes there are frequent human rights abuses taking place subsequently,” said a local SNDP official.
