Military tightens security after killing activist: Villagers feel unsafe while traveling

March 23, 2022

HURFOM: On March 18, 2022, there was a shooting incident in Wae Paung village, Ye Township, Mon State. The incident took place near the New Mon State Party (NMSP) controlled area.

A People Defense Force (PDF) vehicle broke down, and members of the PDF were repairing the vehicle near a gasoline shop at the entrance of Wae Paung. The Burmese military responded by shooting at the PDF forces.

“There were five PDF members. One was shot to death and another was injured. Another two individuals were arrested, while the 5th member managed to escape,” said a local source.

The injured PDF member has been identified as Ko Aung Khant Hein, a popular social activist from Ye. The military junta had an outstanding arrest warrant for him issued in March, 2021.

Ko Aung Khant Hein was sent to a military investigation camp, where he was killed on March 21, 2022.

“Ko Aung Khant Hein was a good social activist in Ye. He was very good at organizing people and he listened to the voices of the villagers. It’s a great loss to lose a youth like him and we’re unhappy. I want to advise young people to act carefully and not to be unaware of the situation,” said another local source.

Since the shooting, military forces have tightened their security protocols. Local travelers are feeling insecure about going anywhere, according to local sources.

“Before, the military just checked people at the big bridge in Ye. But since the shooting in Wae Paung, they now come to Kyone Long village and check on the villagers. We don’t have a free and secure movement,”

said a local source.

Prior to the shooting about 70 soldiers had established a presence at the monastery in Wae Paung village where they stayed for two nights.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News