Karen National Union (KNU) said that it has detained those responsible for the killing of a civilian, who was shot dead, and the death of a child, who fell from a person’s arms, at a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) checkpoint in Sin Htoe Gyi village, Palauk, Kasedoh Township, within KNU Brigade-4, on February 23.
An official from KNU Brigade-4 stated that KNLA Battalion-12 has recalled and detained the soldiers from the companies involved in the incident and is currently making arrangements to transfer them to the brigade.
“Their battalion commander has already instructed them to send the soldiers to the brigade and take action if they were at fault. He is currently away on a trip, but I believe it hasn’t reached the district yet because there is no battalion commander present at the moment. The soldiers are being held at the battalion and will be transferred to the brigade,” the official said.
Around 7 pm on 23 February, a motorcycle, driven by a civilian couple, was shot while passing through a checkpoint of Battalion 12, Company 1-2 of the KNLA.
The shooting occurred as the motorcycle was speeding and then stopped. The couple, from Padaukgyi village, had traveled to Palauk in Palaw Sub-township, Tanintharyi Region, to seek medical attention for their sick child, at the hospital.
The man died in the shooting. Locals reported that a one-month-old baby, who was being carried by a woman fleeing from KNLA troops, also died after falling from her hands.
The KNLA’s shooting has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many members of the public expressing their disapproval. Local residents are also calling for decisive actions to be taken against those responsible for the murder.
When asked about the actions to be taken, KNU Brigade-4 Myeik-Dawei District Chair Padoh Saw Eh Nar replied that he was unable to provide an answer at present.
Sent by KIC
