Survivors from Min Bya Township, Central Region 9, have come forth to recount the horrors endured at the hands of military council troops. Families torn apart lives lost, and justice demanded – the aftermath of the military’s ruthless actions leaves scars that may never fully heal.
The tragic tale begins with the capture of hostages by military forces, including U Maung Than Myint’s 18-year-old son, U Kyaw Win, and U Maung Khin Rue’s 16-year-old son, Ne Myo Htet, both hailing from Sapadda Village in Min Bya Township. Alongside them, 33-year-old Kyaw Aye Hlaing, U Maung Than Myint’s son-in-law, fell victim to the merciless tactics of the military council.
U Maung Than Myint’s harrowing account reveals the torture inflicted upon his son and the unbearable agony of witnessing his brutal demise.
"When we went to cut bamboo, military council troops apprehended us. Bound and subjected to various forms of torture, my son was ultimately executed before my eyes," he recounted with tearful anguish.Similarly, U Maung Khin Rue’s son, Nay Myo Htet, and his son-in-law suffered a similar fate, ruthlessly slain amidst the chaos of captivity.
"I was also slated to be killed the following day. However, when the time came, I miraculously escaped death. On the scheduled day of execution, preparations were made with cows and buffaloes slaughtered and roasted. It was arranged that the animals would be slaughtered first, followed by the executions of the hostages the next morning. Throughout the ordeal, we were deprived of food and bound, surrounded by armed individuals. At around 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning, the Arakan Army (AA) intervened and rescued us from imminent death. We demand justice for the lives lost, and we seek effective action against those responsible for the atrocities committed against our loved ones." He demanded.On March 9, reports surfaced of military council troops fleeing Central Region 9, taking innocent civilians hostage along their path. The AA’s intervention rescued some captives, but not without casualties.
Lt. Col. Ye Htun Win, head of the Central (9th) Administrative Department of Army/31046, and several council members met their demise during the escape, underscoring the turmoil and violence gripping the region.
As survivors mourn their losses and demand justice for the atrocities committed, the world watches with bated breath, awaiting resolution and accountability in the wake of unfathomable tragedy.
According to reports today, 3 of the 20 arrested were killed by the military council, and 2 survived. AA has not yet released the information on the remaining 15.
