“A tragic incident occurred in Kyun Su Ward, Dawbon Township, Yangon Region. A ward administrator named Ko Hnut Char Mhwe, who was part of a team collecting military census copies, has died while receiving medical treatment after being doused with gasoline and set on fire. The incident took place on February 12 when the ward administrator, along with a female ten-household leader and another young woman, were going door-to-door in Kyun Su Ward’s Dhamma Yeiktha Street to collect copies of census data for military recruitment purposes. During their rounds, a resident attacked them by pouring gasoline and setting them on fire, resulting in severe burn injuries to both the ward administrator and the female ten-household leader. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment at the hospital, Ko Hnut Char Mhwe developed a severe infection from his burn wounds and suffered from high fever. He ultimately passed away at the hospital on the morning of February 26. According to local residents, funeral arrangements are currently being made. This incident reflects the current political situation and social tensions in Myanmar, particularly highlighting public opposition to military recruitment efforts. Ward administrators and other officials find themselves in potentially life-threatening situations while carrying out their duties. Such acts of violence, regardless of which side perpetrates them, demonstrate a lack of humanity and undermine the rule of law. In the current situation, there is a pressing need for both sides to cease violent actions and seek peaceful resolutions to their differences. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about the safety of local administrative officials. It also highlights the growing tensions between civilians and those perceived to be working with or for the authorities. The tragic death of Ko Hnut Char Mhwe serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in Myanmar, where routine administrative tasks can escalate into deadly confrontations. The incident has also sparked discussions about the challenges faced by local officials who must balance their administrative duties with increasing public resistance to military-related activities. The attack has drawn attention to the broader issue of violence against civil servants and local administrators, who often find themselves caught between their official duties and public sentiment. This tragic event underscores the complex dynamics at play in Myanmar’s current political climate, where civil disobedience and resistance to military authority have become increasingly common. Local residents and observers note that this incident is not isolated but rather part of a pattern of increasing violence and resistance against military-related activities throughout the country. The death of Ko Hnut Char Mhwe has added another layer of complexity to the already tense situation between authorities and civilians. The incident has also raised questions about the safety measures and protocols in place for local administrators carrying out their duties, particularly those involved in sensitive tasks such as military recruitment census collection. There are growing calls for better protection mechanisms and alternative approaches to carrying out administrative functions in the current volatile environment. As Myanmar continues to grapple with its political crisis, this tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for peaceful dialogue and resolution. The death of Ko Hnut Char Mhwe has left a lasting impact on the local community and highlighted the dangerous conditions under which local administrators must operate.
