In a disturbing incident in Ward 6 of Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyarwady Region, a civilian named Ko Aung Lwin was first attacked with knives by Pyu Saw Htee members and then arrested by police after being discharged from the hospital. The incident occurred on June 25 at around 10 PM when Ko Aung Lwin and his wife were talking at their home. After hearing shouts about a thief, Ko Aung Lwin went downstairs to investigate and encountered Pyu Saw Htee leader Bo Chit. The situation quickly escalated when Bo Chan, another Pyu Saw Htee member, attacked Ko Aung Lwin’s face with a knife. Subsequently, more Pyu Saw Htee members arrived and joined in the assault, using numbered clubs, police batons, and knives.
Following the violent attack, Ko Aung Lwin required hospitalization for his injuries. Upon his discharge from the hospital, Police Officer Aung Myint Thu from Nyaungdon Police Station arrested him, claiming the need for questioning. The attackers were identified as members of the Pyu Saw Htee group, including Bo Chit, Than Soe Htwe, Bone Ngo (aka) Zaw Min Aung, Raza Min, Sein Kular, Zin Oo, Naing Lin, Aung Zaw Htet, Zin Htet Ko, Karen Gyi, Than Oo, Soe Thein, Myint Maung, Nga Me, Kyaw Than, and Aung Ko Min.
According to local residents, the Pyu Saw Htee members’ attempt to enter a civilian’s home at night was likely motivated by theft intentions, and they resorted to violence when discovered by the homeowner. The Pyu Saw Htee groups are known to be militia forces under the control of the military council, and local police face significant challenges in taking legal action against their criminal activities without military approval. Police sources have indicated that they are unable to properly investigate and prosecute crimes committed by Pyu Saw Htee members without explicit permission from military authorities, highlighting the impunity these groups enjoy under the current regime.
