Civilian van shot up by soldiers

Civilian van shot up by soldiers

Human Rights

A hired van on its way from the Monghsu gemland to Taunggyi waylaid by armymen on 8 January resulting in two teachers being seriously injured, said sources from Taunggyi. 

The two were Hsai Lao Khurh, male, 30, and Tin Htun Oo, 35. The former was wounded in his right leg and the latter his left hip. The unexpected attack took place at 19:30 at Khawnknoi, near Mongpawn, 28 miles east of Taunggyi. The driver, however, proceeded until he arrived at Mongpawn. The two injured were transferred to Taunggyi hospital, from where they were discharged only on 20 January. 

"Both completely missed the workshop for the upcoming summer literacy campaign, where more than 200 participants from southern townships attended", said a source. 

The workshop, which ended yesterday, was organized by the abbot of Hailong, well-known Shan M.P. Sai Fah and Dr. Sai Mawk Kham, Chairman of Shan State Culture and Literature Society. 

It was later learned that the culprits turned out to be 5 soldiers from Loilem-based Infantry Battalion 12, who insisted it was the drivers' fault because he refused to stop the car and give them a lift when they waved it down. The driver however argued, "Dark as it was and myself concentrating on the road, how could I notice them." 

The matter was reported to both the police and the military intelligence, they said. "But we received no response," one of the sources told S.H.A.N. "And the hospital bills had to be paid out by the van owner, who also had to repair his car."