Laborers working at the railroad beaten to death

Laborers working at the railroad beaten to death

Human Rights

Two villagers, one male and the other female, were beaten to death by a Burmese non-commissioned officer while working a railroad that is being constructed in southern Shan State. 

The two were Zawtika, 47, Tonkieng Village, Maihai Tract, Mongnai Township and Nang Nyo, 43, Na Markzang Village also from the same tract and township. They were among the 300,000 people forced to relocate during the infamous "4 cuts" (scorched earth) campaign against Col Yawdserk's Shan State Army in 1996-98. 

According to the sources, Zawtika, who was suffering from poor health, was struck down with a heavy stick by Corporal Myint Pay, Company 2, Light Infantry 518, on 24 November, while he was stopping to catch his breath. "He was in bad shape," said a source. "But as the village couldn't find anybody to take his place, he was forced to come." Zawtika died on the spot. 

Witnessing the scene, Nang Nyo who was working nearby, was reported to have fainted and passed out. "Myint Pay, thinking she was faking, struck at her. She died without regaining consciousness." 

Corporal Myint Pay got away without punishment, they said. 

900 villagers, 150 from each of the six townships: Namzang, Mongnai, Hsihseng, Mawkmai, Langkher and Mongpan, had been working since November 2001, on the 103 mile section between Hsihseng and Mongnai on 2 week shifts. The villagers receive no compensation. They are also required to bring knives and digging materials, apart from food for 2 weeks.