Soldiers from the military column that entered Win Kan village in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, broke into homes and stole valuables, according to local residents.
Since 14 May, four military columns have entered Kyaikto Township: two columns of over 200 soldiers under No. 101 Light Infantry Division, and two columns of over 150 soldiers from Infantry Battalion 207 under No. 44 Light Infantry Division.
The military columns reportedly entered Win Kan village tract, Kyaikto Township, on 18 and 19 May, broke into homes, stole valuables, and then left.
A spokesperson of Waw Township PDF said: “They withdrew on the night of 19 May. When we entered and inspected Win Kan village after the withdrawal, we found that they broke into most of 200 houses. We saw that they took all the items that could be sold. They also broke into the fire safe at Win Kan Monastery and stole 10 million Kyats that was set aside for school renovations.”
The Karen National Union (KNU) Thaton District announced that the military council has been shelling Win Kan village tract in Kyaikto Township with heavy weapons since 14 May and conducted aerial bombing.
Due to shelling and aerial bombings by the military junta, over 2,700 people from more than 650 households in Winkan, Bawkahta, Kyauk Yae Twin, Kalaw Myaung, Shansu Village, and Anyar Su Villages in Winkan village tract in Kyikto Township have been forced to flee to safer areas.
While the locals were fleeing, military columns entered the village, broke into homes, stole belongings, and even burned down some homes.
There are concerns among locals that fighting in the area will intensify as the military council forces are advancing in large numbers into Kyaikto Township.
Sent by IMNA
