For Immediate Release
28 June 2013
BURMA: KACHIN CIVILIANS KILLED DESPITE AGREEMENT TO END HOSTILITIES
Christian
Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has learned that a Kachin civilian named
Zahkung Lum Hkawng was tortured, beaten and shot dead by the Burmese
Army in Northern Shan State on 14 June. The killing occurred just weeks
after the Burmese government and the Kachin Independence Organisation
(KIO) signed a seven-point agreement in Myitkyina on 30 May.
On
the night of 14 June, Zahkung Lum Hkawng, aged 45, was taking his turn
as a security guard for his village, Nawng Hen, when Burmese troops
entered the village and demanded that the village head provide a guide
for them. Lum Hkawng was forced to accompany the troops to Mung Ya Hka
Zup village where they clashed with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA),
the armed wing of the KIO. The Burmese Army troops accused Lum Hkawng of
deliberately leading them into an ambush. They beat and tortured the
victim and before shooting him dead.
On
the same day, an unnamed villager was killed by the Burmese Army at the
road between Nan Gat and Ying La villages. A group of villagers from
Nawng Hen who went to retrieve the victim’s body were stopped by Burmese
Army troops at Nan Gat village and told that they were not allowed to
go any further. The same afternoon another round of fighting took place
between Burmese troops and the KIA, giving the neighbours the
opportunity to take the victim’s body back to his remaining family
members, including his elderly mother, wife, and six children.
The
Burmese Army and KIO are engaged in ongoing talks to resolve the
two-year conflict. On 30 May the two sides reached a seven-point deal in
which they agreed to “undertake efforts to achieve de-escalation and
cessation of hostilities”. There is an urgent need to end the conflict,
which has resulted in the displacement of at least 100,000 civilians as
well as numerous human rights violations.
In
a four-week fact-finding visit to Burma earlier this year, CSW reported
testimonies of internally displaced Kachin people who had experienced
horrific physical, psychological and sexual torture. CSW’s report
welcomed signs of political change in the country, but highlighted
“many very grave challenges and concerns, particularly in respect to the
protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief”.
Despite
the 30 May agreement, villagers in this area report the daily
reinforcement of Burmese troops, prompting fears that incidents like
those mentioned above could multiply.
CSW’s
Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “We condemn the killing of these
two civilians by Burmese troops. We call on the Burmese Army’s to take
seriously its commitment to the de-escalation of the conflict and
encourage all parties involved in the conflict to work towards the
cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace agreement.”
For
further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri
Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.
Christian
Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for
religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of
justice.
