August 16th, 2022
A man living in Mo Kham ward in downtown Namhkan, northern Shan State, has died of his injuries after being released from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). He was arrested by the armed group on suspicion of drug links and reportedly beaten before his release, after which he died.
On August 5th, about 30 members of the TNLA entered Namhkan and abducted residents on the pretext of dealing drugs, according to reports.
Among those arrested was 60-year-old Lone Kyaw Swe, who was released on August 7th on the advice of his family members and community elders. However, he had swollen limbs and bruises on his abdomen after being released by the armed group, a close relative of his told the Shan Herald.
“About 30 TNLA soldiers entered the ward. Some of them were dressed in civilian clothes. They abducted about ten people from the station, including 60-year-old Lone Kyaw Swe, who died from his injuries. He was released two days after his abduction and died at home from his injuries,” said the victim’s relative.
The man had not been able to eat or drink since his release, resulting in a weakened immune system, and died at home around 5:00 a.m. on August 14th.
“He had not been able to eat properly since his release. He often complained of pain. I do not think it’s appropriate to beat a man his age like that. Now he is dead,” a close male relative told the Shan Herald.
A TNLA spokesman was contacted to inquire about the abduction of the man, who was beaten to death on the pretext of drug contacts, but could not be reached.
Members of the TNLA also reportedly arrested residents of Mongwee village on July 17th on suspicion of drug links and have yet to release them.
It is known that those arrested on the pretext of drug links are to be forced to plow fallow land in Mongkhet Township in northern Shan State.
Sent by Shan Herald