Mizzima

 

Six civilians were tortured and burned alive by Myanmar junta forces in Sagaing Region’s Kantbalu Township on 12 September, according to Mizzima. The victims, all residents of Nghat Pyaw Taing old village, were returning from a gold-mining site when they were intercepted by troops near Bu Gone junction.

 

A 15-year-old boy survived the ordeal and later recounted the harrowing events. The group had been travelling by motorcycle along the Shwebo–Myitkyina road when they were detained and taken to a monastery in Bu Gone village. There, they were reportedly beaten, bound, and denied food for four days.

 

On the evening of 12 September, the detainees were forced onto a pile of car tyres while still tied up. “They beat our heads with sticks. When we lost consciousness and were unable to run, they burned and left,” the survivor told local activists. “I was fortunate; I regained consciousness and managed to escape.”

 

The Kyun Hla Activists’ Group identified the victims as Ko Yi Wai Moe (18), Ko Moe Thet Kha (16), Ko Chit Thae Maung (23), Ko Than Zaw Htun (23), U Soe Tint (45), and Ko Chan Phyo Wai (14). Two were minors. As of 16 September, their bodies had not been recovered due to continued military presence in the area.

 

According to Mizzima, the incident is part of a broader escalation in military activity along the strategic Shwebo–Myitkyina route. Since August, junta forces have tightened control with checkpoints and troop deployments in Zee Kone-Ma Lae, Bu Gone, and Yay Kyi Oo.

 

Local resistance groups and civil society organisations warn that arbitrary arrests, torture, and killings are ongoing, urging civilians to avoid the route or proceed with extreme caution.

 

The atrocity has sparked renewed calls for international scrutiny of Myanmar’s military conduct, as communities across Sagaing Region continue to bear the brunt of escalating violence.

 

 

-2025-09-19

Myanmar seems hopeless.