By Ko Paing / MPA
In Pakokku Township, Magway Region, an enormous amount of military council troops reportedly enter Myit Chay town, causing nearly the entire town to flee.
On October 11, around 3 PM, approximately 120 junta soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee militia members from Pakokku arrived in three vehicles, arresting around 40 residents near the junction of the Myit Chay-Kamma railway and road, using them as human shields as they advanced into the town, according to the Anyar Daung (Myit Chay Pa Ka Pha).
“We intercepted a vehicle carrying supplies to the Myit Chay police station and confiscated rice and medicines. That’s why they quietly approached from the Kamma junction. First, they arrested civilian vehicles traveling along the road. Some of our comrades (Village Pa Ka Pha) were also captured, but two comrades from another battalion managed to escape,” said a representative of Anyar Daung (Myit Chay Pa Ka Pha).
The military column entered the town around 4 PM, starting from Ai Shay Quarter, and began raiding houses.
“Myit Chay town is only about a mile away from the Kamma junction. Around 4 PM, they forced civilians to kneel in the hot sun. We tried to launch an attack when they released them, but the convoy used the civilians as hostages and advanced into the town. People had no choice but to flee the entire town without taking any belongings. Even now, no one dares to return, as the column is still there,” the source said around 10 AM on October 12 (Today).
The column reportedly raided Myit Chay Town, advancing with five civilians between every two junta soldiers. Following this, although civilians were released by the evening of October 11, one Pa Ka Pha member was held captive.
The incursion of the junta column into Myit Chay was reported to be in response to the PDF siege of a vehicle delivering supplies to Myit Chay Police Station on October 5 which prompted the police and junta soldiers inside the station to request reinforcement.
As of October 12, thousands of Myit Chay residents remain displaced, taking refuge in nearby villages, and have not been able to return to their homes.
Only around 20 police and soldiers are reported to be stationed at the Myit Chay police station.
