A significant kidnapping incident occurred in Chauk, Magway Region, where military-backed Pyu Saw Htee groups abducted the daughter of a prominent bean and sesame warehouse owner, demanding a ransom of 150 million kyats. The incident took place during nighttime when the military had imposed strict security measures and blocked roads connecting Chauk, Seikphyu, and Bagan-Nyaung-U. Despite the heavy military presence in the town, the Pyu Saw Htee groups managed to carry out the kidnapping in an organized manner.
Following negotiations between the victim’s family and the Pyu Saw Htee groups, the initial ransom demand of 150 million kyats was reduced to 50 million kyats, leading to the release of the warehouse owner’s daughter. The incident highlights the growing presence and influence of Pyu Saw Htee and militia groups in Chauk, where they have been increasingly involved in various criminal activities targeting civilians. One particularly concerning practice is the forced recruitment of young people into military service, with the groups kidnapping youths and selling them as military recruits to other regions for a minimum price of 5 million kyats per person.
The Pyu Saw Htee groups have also been participating in military operations against villages, engaging in looting and destruction of civilian properties. A notable example is their involvement in the raid on Salayhteinkan village, where they accompanied military forces, looted villagers’ belongings, and subsequently burned down the village. The stolen goods are reportedly being traded among themselves within the town. Despite these criminal activities, local police forces have taken no action against these groups, and the military appears to be deliberately ignoring their activities. Local sources indicate that many of these Pyu Saw Htee members are former troublemakers and alcoholics from the town who have now gained protection under military backing, allowing them to operate with impunity in the region.
