Shans Killed In Wa Area

Shans Killed In Wa Area

Two Shan hired workers were extrajudicially put to death by junta troops in Mongyawn on suspicion of killing a soldier, according to a report from the border.

Shan workers who fled from Mongyawn told S.H.A.N. that two of their fellow workers, Panta, 38, and Khattiya, 31, both from Kengtawng, Mongnai Township, were arrested on the charge of killing Sgt. Aung Phiu of Company 4, LIB 331 the previous night.

The sergeant was found beaten to death outside the village of Mongyawn. He was known as quarrelsome and bullying when drunk.

The two Shans were beaten to death on the order of Capt. Htun Maung, the company commander, they said. "18 more were arrested and their fate is unknown."

Many Shans who were still free feared more arrests and fled into Thailand. They were also penniless, because they didn't have time to ask for their wages from their employers, they said.

"The two Shans were killed merely as an expression of dissatisfaction towards the Was, whom they suspected as the real culprits but could take no action against," said a worker to S.H.A.N..

LIB 331 is from Tachilek.