Three Pyu Saw Htee members from Kan Ni village in Myaing Township, Magway Region, have defected with their families and exposed how their leader has been using weapons to threaten and sexually assault young women in the village. The defectors fled on May 7 and sought help from the local defense force. After being rescued and questioned by the local defense force, they revealed the criminal activities of the Kan Ni village Pyu Saw Htee leader.
Among those who defected were two Pyu Saw Htee members in their 30s and one in their 20s, along with three children. According to their testimony, the Pyu Saw Htee leader in Kan Ni village has been using weapons to threaten young women in the village and forcing them to become his minor wives. Some of these women are now pregnant, and these forced sexual assaults have been occurring since last year. The defectors disclosed these crimes during their interrogation after seeking protection.
The Kan Ni Pyu Saw Htee camp is currently experiencing food shortages due to a blockade by People’s Defense Force members. There have been frequent defections from the camp due to the abuse and torture inflicted by the military council-affiliated Pyu Saw Htee members. The military council has been forcibly recruiting local civilians into Pyu Saw Htee groups and arming them, while Pyu Saw Htee leaders continue to commit acts of violence against local civilians. This situation highlights the ongoing pattern of human rights violations and abuse of power by military-backed armed groups in the region.
