The family of Private Maung Su Shin, who died in frontline combat in Magway Region, was only informed of his death by the military six months after the incident, forcing them to hold a delayed memorial service. The 30-year-old soldier, who had been living in Ward 12 of Hlaing Tharyar Township (West) in Yangon, had voluntarily joined the military after working in a garment factory. After completing his military training, he was assigned to Infantry Battalion 13 under Division 88 in Chauk Township, Magway Region.
Following his deployment to the frontline by the military, Maung Su Shin died on January 1, 2024. Communication between him and his family had been cut off, and despite the family’s inquiries, the military did not inform them of his death. It was only after six months that the military finally notified the family, leading them to conduct a six-month memorial service and offering of alms. When preparing the funeral invitation cards, the family was not permitted to state that he died in frontline combat; instead, they were required to indicate that he died from natural causes (96 diseases). Furthermore, the military has not provided any compensation or support payments to the deceased soldier’s surviving family members.
This incident illustrates the military’s negligence and disregard for its soldiers and their families. The long delay in notifying the family of their son’s death, the restriction on stating the true cause of death, and the lack of compensation demonstrate the military’s treatment of its personnel. The family was left in uncertainty for six months, unable to properly mourn their loss or perform traditional memorial rites in a timely manner. This case represents one of many instances where military personnel and their families face difficulties and lack of support from the institution they serve.
