While local houses in Puzunmyaung village are on fire due to arson by the Military Council (Photo: KNU)
Mizzima
Myanmar junta troops deployed in Puzunmyaung Village, Nyaunglebin Township, Bago Region, reportedly burned down residents’ homes and planted landmines in the village on the morning of 14 March, according to local residents.
Residents stated that soldiers from the Infantry Battalion (20) of the Military Council, stationed in Nyaunglebin township, have been conducting raids on Puzunmyaung village since 8 March when junta forces were stationed there.
“After taking everything they wanted, they set fire to the village. There are approximately 1,500 households in the entire village, but currently, it is uninhabited. Around 70 soldiers have been stationed in the village, and it is estimated that about 800 houses were burned. We are unable to enter the village due to the presence of hundreds of planted landmines,” said a Puzunmyaung villager who evacuated the area.
The Military Council has reportedly been conducting regular raids on Puzunmyaung village, utilizing heavy weaponry and opening fire, resulting in the destruction of buildings and forcing villagers to evacuate.
Puzunmyaung villagers who fled their homes expressed their desire to return but are hesitant due to concerns about the risk of their houses being set on fire and the presence of landmines.
“We have no homes to return to. Currently, it’s too dangerous for any villager to go back. The junta has been arresting and killing villagers, so nobody dares to live there. Moreover, people have been injured by landmines,” said one villager who had fled.
The Military Council has not provided any updates on the situation in Nyaunglebin.
Local residents report that due to the presence of the Military Council in Puzunmyaung village, heavy weapons and small arms fire are causing damage in nearby villages.
