2 Byine Phyu villagers die in Sittwe hospital following torture during interrogation

Thinzar New, Narinjara News, 12 June 2024

Two villagers from Byine Phyu village under  Sittwe township, who were tortured during interrogations by the junta forces, died recently at Sittwe general hospital. Another villager is in a critical condition, said a local source.

The killed individuals were identified as  U Kan Thein Tun and U Mel Lar. The arrested Byine Phyu villagers are still interrogated at Sittwe regional operations command (ROC).

A local resident informed  that three of them sustained serious injuries and they fainted during interrogation. Later they were sent to Sittwe hospital by a military vehicle, but two succumbed to injuries.

A political analyst commented that inhumane killings, arrests, and tortures on  Byine Pyu villagers are highly despicable acts of the junta soldiers.

"The villagers were arrested, tortured and even killed. Later their bodies were hidden. Now, everyone can realise that the villagers died of torture. We strongly condemn it," added the analyst.

Between 29 and 31 May, the junta forces arrested and killed 76 residents of Byine Phyu village. No less than 100 individuals were taken to the 20th infantry battalion for interrogation.

On 7 and 8 May, the junta soldiers put nearly  80 villagers from Byine Phyu village in the military vehicles in front of Mani Yadanar monastery. Some of them have reportedly lodged complaints.

On 2 June, the Arakha Army (AA) condemned the incident  and vowed to retaliate to the relentless arrest, killing and torture of civilians by the junta soldiers. The AA also pointed out the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity.