Chin Woman Dies after Tatmadaw Bomb Civilian Residences with Heavy Artillery

Ann Township (Myanmar) – 14th April 2019

Chin Woman Dies after Tatmadaw Bomb Civilian Residences with Heavy Artillery

On 12th April 2019, the Burma Army (Tatmadaw), indiscriminately shelled two houses situated close to War Gyi Taung Village, Ann Township, Rakhine State leaving one person dead and one injured. During the bombardment 78-year-old, Daw Pa Don died and her daughter, 40-year-old Daw Pa Mai was injured.

The artillery, under the command of the Western Regional Command open-fired on the houses between 7 pm and 9 pm, three mortars were fired. Daw Pa Mai is currently in hospital and receiving treatment at Ann General Hospital for injuries sustained in the assault.

According to one source:
“The incident took place at a farm, located three miles from the village. There are six people from two families that live there; they have lived there for many years. The first two blasts missed the houses, and while the family was preparing to flee, a third shell exploded close to the two houses, killing the elderly lady instantly.”

Since the incident, the incident took place, the Tatmadaw claimed that 20 Arakan Army (AA) soldiers were seen close to the area where the houses were situated which is why the order was given to mortar the houses which were occupied by civilian families.

This is disputed by locals who contest that the closest area where recent fighting between AA and Tatmadaw has been taking place is a two/three-day drive away and there has been no previous fighting in the vicinity of the village to date.

Sources who spoke to CHRO allege that the rationale put forward is an excuse which they believe to be false information. It is reported that soldiers arrived the next day and began collecting remnants of shrapnel, although some shell fragments remained at the scene .

The Tatmadaw has since passed over 100,000 MMK (approx. 65 USD) in compensation to the family of Daw Pa Don and the Ann Township General Administrative Officer delivered 50,000 MMK (approx. 32 USD) to Daw Pa Mai at Ann General Hospital.

Although not satisfied with the situation regarding compensation payments, the family took the money through fear of arguing with the military and did not feel in a position to negotiate. It is reported that a local Buddhist Monk also visited Daw Pa Mai in the hospital on the 14th April 2019.

The monk, who spoke only in Arakanese dialect offered prayers, took photos and left 400,000 MMK (approx. 260 USD) to support the medical expenses. War Gyi Taung Village consists of seven households, most of whom are Asho Chin.

The village is located approximately 20 miles north of Ann Town and all families living there make their living by farming. After the incident, the locals have become reluctant to work on their farms however, with some already choosing to flee to Ann Town for safety.

CHRO ( Chin Human Rights Organization) works to protect and promote the rights of Chin people and other oppressed and marginalized communities in Burma/Myanmar