Mizzima
The Kachin National Organisation, condemned the junta’s massacre of over 50 people in Byai Phyu Village, Sittwe Township, Rakhine State on 2 June, in a statement released on 4 June.
The statement says that the junta killed 53 villagers in Byai Phyu Village but a more recent statement from the Arakan Army (AA) revised that figure up to 76 killed by the junta. Communications in the area are very unreliable and Mizzima has been unable to independently confirm these figures.
The Kachin National Organisation is a Kachin political organisation made up of Kachin people inside and outside Myanmar. It’s chief objectives are to “regain the inalienable rights of the people by establishing a liberated free Kachin Homeland and restore their pride and freedom.”
Below is the Kachin National Organisation statement in full:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place on 29 May 2024 in Byai Phyu village, Sittwe, Rakhine, where 53 innocent civilians were brutally killed by the terrorist Burmese army. Our hearts go out to the bereaved family members and the entire Rakhine community during this profoundly sorrowful time.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families affected by this atrocity and to the Rakhine people, who have endured immense suffering.
The Kachin National Organization stands in unwavering solidarity with the Rakhine people in their struggle for liberation from the excessive oppression inflicted by Burmese military. We commend the courage and determination of the modern Arakan Army, which valiantly fights for the liberation of Rakhine and collaborates with other resistance groups across Burma.
“The Rakhine people deserve independence from decades of Burmese military occupation where excessive oppression is inflicted by the Burmese army,” said Hkanhpa Tu Sadan, Foreign Secretary of the Kachin National Organization.
We urge the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) of the United Nations to conduct a thorough investigation into this heinous war crime and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
