The military junta killed 10 people and burned down 2 villages of Shartaw and Taungtin in Shwebo township, Sagaing Region, within 2 days, according to local residents.
“The military column of 80 strength that came out of Shwebo town entered Shartaw village and killed 4 civilians and burned down the village, at 10 a.m. on April 6,” Ko Pay Sue from WAPF told MPA.
“They (junta) first dropped a drone before entering the village. Two women were hit to die in the house. When they entered the village, they shot and killed two men,” U Pay Sue said.
Similarly, this military column entered Taung Tin village on April 5 and they killed 5 people, arrested a monk, and burned down the village, U Pay Sue said.
“They (junta) arrested a monk of Taung Tin village for telling them not to kill the people, and they also took the car from the monastery. I have not heard that he was released until now,” he said.
A displaced resident of Shwebo Township said the village of Shartaw has about 400 houses and was burning until about 10:00 p.m. on April 6.
“We didn’t hear about the fighting. They intentionally entered the village and burned down it. The entire village was destroyed and only 6 houses remained. The fire could not be extinguished until late at night,” he said.
According to local residents, the people from 5 villages _ including Shartaw and Taung Tin villages _ in Shwebo township have fled from this military column, and there is a need for food for the people who fled and were affected by the fire.