In Nat Htamin village of Minle Township, Bago Region, village administrator Thant Naing Soe was killed in a shooting by revolutionary forces for forcing local youth into military service and collecting military service fees from civilians who could not afford to pay. On March 8th at approximately 11:45 AM, combined forces from Thayarwaddy District Battalion 3802 Company 3, Company 2, and Minle Township People’s Defense Force entered the administrator’s house and shot him, resulting in three fatal gunshot wounds to the head that killed him instantly.
Administrator Thant Naing Soe had been forcibly collecting money from impoverished civilians under the guise of military service fees. Those who could not pay were reported to the military forces for arrest. He was also known for providing false information to the military about civilians and openly challenging revolutionary forces, which ultimately led to him being targeted. His actions had forced many local residents to flee their homes, making it impossible for them to carry out their livelihoods and causing severe hardship in meeting basic needs for food and survival.
The Thayarwaddy District People’s Defense Forces have announced that they will continue operations against the military forces and their supporters who are causing harm to civilians and revolutionary forces. Local residents have been warned to avoid areas where military forces and their subordinates are stationed. The revolutionary forces have reiterated their commitment to removing military-affiliated individuals who collect military service fees and oppress civilians. This incident represents ongoing efforts by resistance forces to protect civilians from military council oppression and forced recruitment practices being implemented through local administrative structures.
