10 PDO members executed by AR: Myanmar NUG
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 22 2025: National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar has issued a statement alleging that 10 members of the People's Defence Organisation (PDO) were captured, tortured, and summarily executed by personnel of the Assam Rifles near the Indo-Myanmar border.

The statement, shared by the NUG's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 20 on its official social media handles, called on the Government of India to publicly clarify the facts, ensure accountability, and suspend unilateral border fencing activities in disputed areas.

According to NUG, the incident occurred in Tamu district, Sagaing region, near Kama Gyi village, where the 10 PDO members were temporarily stationed.

The individuals reportedly went missing from their base on May 14.Two days later, on May 16, Assam Rifles personnel from a battalion, based in Chandel district of Manipur, coordinated the handover of the bodies to Myanmar officials.

In response, NUG's Task Force for India, a unit created to handle matters related to India, was immediately assigned to verify the identities of the deceased, secure the return of the bodies within 24 hours, issue an initial investigative report within seven days, and pursue any necessary further actions.

Preliminary findings indicate that the deaths did not result from an armed encounter within Indian territory, as some Indian media reports suggested, NUG maintained.

"Available evidence indicates that the 10 PDO members...

were not killed in an armed encounter within Indian territory.

Rather, they were reportedly captured, tortured and summarily executed by personnel from Assam Rifles Battalion-1, despite prior notification having been issued regarding their temporary presence in the area," the statement read.

NUG also raised serious concerns over the manner in which the bodies were returned.

Officials from Myanmar were reportedly presented with a handover document that included contentious language, such as claims that the PDO members had crossed into Indian territory and initiated hostilities, and an implied consent to ongoing border fencing activities.

The handover of the bodies was made contingent upon signing this document.

Calling the act "a grave incident", NUG urged the Government of India to conduct a transparent investigation, take action against those responsible, and provide adequate compensation to the families of the victims.

It also called for the suspension of unilateral border fencing in areas with unresolved demarcation.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, NUG clarified that it did not believe the incident reflected the official policy or intent of the Indian government.

It reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation on border-related matters and urged the Indian authorities to approach the case with urgency and seriousness.

In a bid to de-escalate tensions, NUG also appealed to all Myanmar citizens, including revolutionary groups operating along the Indo-Myanmar border, to refrain from any actions that could negatively affect bilateral relations.

It particularly stressed the need to avoid unlawful activities and to cooperate with authorities to prevent narcotics trafficking along the border.

The statement affirmed NUG's resolve to pursue justice and accountability and formally appealed to the Indian government for cooperation in addressing what it called a grave matter involving the unjust killing of its citizens.

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