An interview with a local resident from Indaw about the abduction of approximately 1,000 civilians by the military council, who reportedly used them as human shields.
Fighting has erupted since August 16, when a combined force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) launched an offensive against the junta to seize Indaw Township in the Sagaing Region.”
During the fighting, local residents reported that the military council has detained around 1,000 civilians, including women and children, to use as human shields, local residents said.
Shanni Voice interviewed a local man (who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons) from Indaw, who is close to the detainees, regarding the abduction of local residents and the current situation of those detained.
Q: Please share what you know about the local residents who have been arrested by the military council troops in Indaw.
A: The battle for control of the town began on 16 August. Many residents sought refuge at Myoma Monastery, but they were arrested when military council forces took position there during the fighting. Those detained are not allowed to return home or leave the monastery. Approximately 1,000 people, including monks, novices, children, and the elderly, have been detained, with the military reportedly using them as human shields.
Q: What is the latest update on the situation of those who have been detained?
A: The military provides detainees with only one meal a day. Some detainees get spoiled rice. We heard that even the abbot has had to enjoy boiled rice. Some people have sustained injuries during the fighting. Some people have got wounds to their legs and hands. Their wounds become worse as they (military) do not allow the injured to seek medical help outside. Two young people among the injured—a 20-year-old boy and a girl in her 20s—have died. Food supplies have run out after nearly a month of detention. They cannot flee. Junta soldiers shot them dead if they run away. No one dares to run away as junta soldiers have threatend to shoot anyone who tries to do so.
Q: Is it true that the arrested locals were taken out?
A: If they (junta) need food or something, they select the people from among the arrested to go outside. The soldiers then instruct them to gather items like rice, cooking oil, salt, and onions. They use these selected people as human shields to protect themselves from fire from the defense forces.
Q: Can you describe the situation regarding the houses that were set on fire during the battle?
A: Since 9 September, the military council force has conducted airstrikes and shelling. Then, they also burned down the houses. Nearly 100 houses have been destroyed in New Aung Myittta ward, Aung Zeya, Aung Chan Thar, Aung Myitta, Aung Mingalar, Yin Nar Tan, Windarmia and Kyar In villages.
Caption – Some buildings which were burned down in Indaw fighting were seen on 20 August. (Photo – CJ)
Q: What is the latest update on the battle?
A: There is currently no fighting between junta soldiers and defense forces. The situation is calm, with both sides observing each other. However, there is still fear of the junta’s threats of airstrikes, and the people remain in detention.
Sent by Shanni Voice