The fiery destruction by Myanmar troopers of sections of a city of 10,000 folks in western Myanmar’s restive Chin state late final month can clearly be seen in satellite tv for pc images of the realm launched on the weekend.
Within the second identified spherical of burning by troops loyal to the junta that overthrew Myanmar’s elected authorities on Feb. 1, witnesses mentioned regime troopers entered Thantlang township on Oct. 29, started looting the property of residents, after which set fires that burned greater than 200 houses, in addition to some church buildings.
The torching of not less than 200 houses in Thantlang, got here a month after junta troops had set hearth to the city, burning 18 houses and a resort, and sending residents fleeing throughout the border to India’s Mizoram state to flee a navy offensive, Chin sources mentioned on the time.
The burnings had been condemned by New York-based Human Rights Watch as “a criminal offense in opposition to humanity,” whereas the State Division mentioned the worldwide neighborhood should “maintain the Burmese navy accountable and take motion to stop gross violations and abuses of human rights.”
The junta denied being behind the Thantlang assaults and demanded its accusers current proof. However anybody returning to the burned-out township to research the fires dangers arrest or retaliation by troops who’re occupying the realm.
Reported by RFA’s Myanmar Service. Written in English by Paul Eckert.