Mawlamyine, October (14)
Thatton PDF has called for the Military Council to show the CCTV footage and not to make unilateral accusations regarding the deaths of civilians during the shooting that happened at the bottom of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and PDF joint forces attacked the security gate near the foot of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Kyaikto Township’s Kimmonchung village around 11 am on October 12.
The three pilgrims were killed and at least 10 were injured in the shooting.
The Military Council has accused the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 1 and the NUG and CRPH-backed PDF forces of reckless shooting that resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians.
Ko Aye Min Tun, the PDF officer from Thaton District, said that the Military Council needs to show the CCTV footage to the public to make it clear which group is shooting at the pilgrims.
Regarding this process, the National Unity and Peace Coordination Committee of the Military Council announced that the NCA-signatory KNU/KNLA must investigate the PDF and the KNLA Brigade 1 as soon as possible and take effective measures in accordance with the regulations.
The KNU Thaton District spokesperson, Pado Saw Aye Naing, said that the casualties and injuries were reported to have been caused by the military council’s artillery shells.
A resident who was hiding in the vicinity during the shooting said, “When the shooting happened, all the people hid. The armed group came in the car and opened fire at the police gate. The security personnel retaliated. The pilgrims were hurt since the incident took place close to the car gate”.
Locals say that CCTV cameras are installed at the gate, and some shops also have their own CCTV for security.
After the shooting, the number of pilgrims has decreased since October 13, and the military council has increased security around the car gate.
News – Than Lwin Times
Thanlwintimes