Fighting and fleeing in the Chin state, Myanmar
Fighting and fleeing in the Chin state, Myanmar
The Myanmarese junta have been abducting and, in some cases, killing the family members of those whom they are trying to arrest. As of September 23, the death toll reported includes upwards of 75 children and a total of more than 1100 people. The UN news report specifies that these deaths are the result of pro-democracy protests. Individuals arrested, or those the junta is seeking to arrest, include elected politicians, activists, medical workers, and journalists. These individuals have been held without due process, and the report states that 120 detainees died in custody within the first 24 hours. These victims have been subjected to various injuries and methods of torture – most notably, abdominal and head wounds.
Recently, the town of Thantlang in the Chin state of Myanmar was burned to the ground and its residents were forced to flee. According to this article, anonymous residents stated that junta soldiers opened fire on the village compelling the residents to flee towards India. 18 homes and a government building were completely destroyed. A Baptist pastor’s ring finger was cut off after his death by the junta, likely to secure his wedding ring. The junta spokesperson has declared that much of the above is fake news. Yet, the attacks have only worsened as pro-democracy politicians have supported and set up a parallel government and announced a “defensive war”. Overall, 230,000 people have been displaced as a result of the February coup, and about 46% of the aid requested for the 2021 UN Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan has been received to date (as of September 23rd). Tom Andres, UN special rapporteur, leaves us with the following as those in Myanmar are faced with loss, grief, and fear: “Myanmar civil society organisations who are saving lives need and deserve our support. … We can and should do better.”
Sources:
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/new-fighting-breaks-out-in-chin-states-thantlang