In Palaw city of Tanintharyi Region, Ward Administrator U Thone Myint of Ward 3 and his son Win Min Thone, a postal clerk, were killed during a raid by resistance forces for their involvement in forced military recruitment. The operation was carried out on February 27 at approximately 6:30 AM when joint forces from the People’s Defense Force Myeik District 1 and Karen National Defense Organization Battalion 7 entered their residence and conducted the operation, resulting in both men’s deaths at the scene.
Ward Administrator U Thone Myint had been actively collaborating with the military since the coup, assisting in the arrest of Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) participants and their family members. He was also responsible for illegally converting agricultural lands in Ward 3 into residential plots and had been systematically threatening young people, extorting money, and forcing them into military service. His actions had significantly impacted the local community and supported the military council’s oppressive measures.
His son, Win Min Thone, had also actively participated in military collaboration by personally guiding troops to the homes of CDM participants and resistance fighters’ families, serving as an informant. Additionally, he was involved in collecting household registration data specifically for military recruitment purposes. A spokesperson from the People’s Defense Force Myeik District 1 confirmed that the operation was successful and their forces suffered no casualties during the mission.
The People’s Defense Force has issued a stern warning to remaining ward and village administrators in the Palaw Township to cease their support of the military administration’s mechanisms and stop the forced recruitment of young people into military service. The announcement clearly stated that those who continue to assist in these activities would face severe consequences. This incident serves as a significant message to those who continue to support the military council’s oppressive policies against civilians in the region.
