Innocent Chin Civilian Beaten to Death by Burmese Army

Chin Human Rights Organization, March 21, 2005

Pu Hmet Lian, a devoted Chin Christian and a good man from Salen village in Thantlang township was beaten to death by the Burmese army on 18, March 2005.

A group of Burmese army led by Captain Aung Naing Oo come to the village on the night of March 18 looking for the where about of village Administration Officer Tin Uk. At around midnight, the Burmese Captain and his troops summoned village council members and the headman of the village along with the village telephone operator Hmet Lian. They were accused of failing to report the activities of the Chin National Front members and supporting the rebels.

Captain Aung Naing Oo and his troops kick, punch, and smash the face of Hmet Lian with their riffle butts. Hmet Lian was killed on the spot.  The other four village council members and the headman were also badly beaten and tortured by the Burmese troops. The four village council members and the village headman are now in critical condition. According to CHRO source, the village headman is vomiting bloods and he may not survive.

Captain Aung Naing Oo and his troops are from Light Infantry Battalion LIB 266 Falam army base. The same battalion has killed innocent Chin villager from Selawn village, Falam township in January this year.