Seven pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members have been detained by Myanmar’s regime in Kyunhla Township, Sagaing Region, after they were accused of killing a relative of an army captain and police chief, said residents.
“Junta soldiers came to Pyinmamyaing ward in three vehicles and detained the Pyu Saw Htee leader and his team. I heard police have opened a case against them for murder and hiding the body,” a Kyunhla resident told The Irrawaddy.
Pyu Saw Htee leader Ko Nyi Nyi and six others were detained by the regime on July 5 for allegedly killing Ko Min Min, a rice mill owner from Padaukpin village in Kantbalu Township.
The victim was reportedly a cousin of a military captain and police captain, according to residents. The Pyu Saw Htee leader was detained due to pressure from the army captain, they said.
The Irrawaddy could not confirm where the two junta personnel were based.
“Militia members have been acting arrogantly in the town with their guns. Now they have killed an officer’s relative. Everyone knows even the police can’t touch the soldiers,” said a Kyunhla resident.
Ko Min Min, 40, was abducted and killed as he traveled to Kyunhla with a companion to buy equipment for his rice mill. The Pyu Saw Htee militia members allegedly seized 1.5 million kyats, two phones and a motorbike from them and Ko Min Min was shot dead as he tried to run away near a quarry outside the town. His companion escaped, according to residents.
Police have retrieved his body and opened a case against Ko Nyi and his team who are currently being detained at Battalion 6006 in Kantbalu.
