A monk has passed away and a 38-year-old civilian named San Min Oo is receiving medical treatment after they were arrested and tortured by military forces while purchasing construction materials in Kyauk Htu town, Saw Township, Magway Region. The incident occurred on May 3rd when the 40-year-old monk (lay name Than Min) from Tapyin village monastery in Kyauk Htu township area and his follower San Min Oo traveled to Kyauk Htu town by motorcycle to buy construction supplies. While they were making purchases at a construction materials shop, intoxicated soldiers arrested and took them away.
The soldiers took the monk and his follower to the artillery base in Kyauk Htu town where they were tortured throughout the day. As a result of the torture, the monk suffered three stab wounds to his back, a broken leg, bruising across his entire back, and facial swelling injuries. The civilian San Min Oo sustained thigh puncture wounds, facial swelling, and back bruising. After a full day of torture and abuse, they were released by the military in the evening. After returning to Tapyin village, the monk succumbed to his torture injuries and passed away on the evening of May 4th. San Min Oo continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries. The deceased monk had entered monkhood approximately three years ago.
Currently in Kyauk Htu town, the military regularly patrols and monitors civilians while wearing both uniforms and civilian clothes, conducting arrests. People have been warned not to travel unnecessarily to Kyauk Htu town. The military’s ongoing presence and pattern of arbitrary arrests and torture has created an atmosphere of fear and danger for local residents attempting to conduct routine business or travel in the area. This incident represents another example of the military’s use of excessive force and violence against civilians, including religious figures who are traditionally highly respected in Myanmar society.
