The 19 civilians _ including children from Thintaw village _ are being arrested and inspected by the junta troops and allied Pyu Saw Htee militia from Myauk Khin Yan _ where recently two resistance comrades were burnt alive _ in Gangaw Township, Magway Region, according to local news sources.
A column of 200 junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militias _ from a total of 11 villages stronghold of Pyu Saw Htee _ including Myauk Khin Yan and Hantharwadi village _ patrolled villages of Thintaw, Shwebo and Yethar on January 14, reportedly killing 10 civilians and arresting 19 civilians.
“The junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militias suddenly raided the village, shooting guns. So women, children and the elderly, who could not run, were arrested. Those arrested included a grandpa aged over 60, a child aged 9, 17 women, and two children aged 2 and 3. The rest were people aged 30 and 50,” a man from Thintaw village told MPA.
Regarding those arrested, the junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee _ from Myauk Khin Yan _ contacted a village resident on the phone and asked for 15 gallons of gasoline, 10 bags of salt, 10 bags of soup powder and a box of Grand Royal Blue.
“Those arrested are children, women, and the elderly, so their families are worried, and they are working to deliver what they ask for,” he continued.
A source close to the Pyu Saw Htee of Myauk Khin Yan told MPA that those arrested are currently being inspected at the administration office of Myauk Khin Yan.
“Now, Pyu Saw Htee militia members don’t even know the interrogations of each other. Only close members are conducting interrogations. Since the previous case of burning two comrades alive to death, the junta has agonized over whether to do it like that. It is not sure now that they will release those arrested,” he added.
The military junta sent by helicopter with many weapons and ammunition to the villages of Pyu Saw Htee _ including Myauk Khin Yan on February 7, and then they patrolled the surrounding villages.
In addition, the junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militiamen are possible to patrol to re-open the supply route to Gangaw town, according to a close news source.