Thantlang town, Chin State, Myanmar
Photo source: reddit.com
Yangon/Washington D.C.: Local journalists and activists claimed shelling and arson by government troops in Thantlang town of Chin state in northwestern Myanmar since Saturday October 30, 2021. They claim that destroyed over 160 buildings in the city. However, the ruling military junta termed such claims as “nonsense allegations being reported in the country-destroying media”, and blamed anti-government protestors for setting the buildings on fire in the state and instigating violence.
In Washington today, Ned Price, Spokesperson of the US Department of State, accused Burmese security forces of committing gross violations of human rights in Chin State, and declared that the US will continue to promote “accountability for the horrific violence that has been and continues to be perpetrated by the regime against the people of Burma”.
Eyewitness account claims over 160 houses along with at least a couple of churches were set on fire in the town by the security forces.
“We condemn such brutal actions by the Burmese regime against people, their homes, and places of worship, which lays bare the regime’s complete disregard for the lives and welfare of the people of Burma. These abhorrent attacks underscore the urgent need for the international community to hold the Burmese military accountable and take action to prevent gross violations and abuses of human rights, including by preventing the transfer of arms to the military,” he said.
Ned added: “We are also deeply concerned over the Burmese security forces’ intensification of military operations in various parts of the country, including in Chin State and the Sagaing Region.”
The US called on Myanmar’s military regime to immediately cease the violence, release all those unjustly detained, and restore the country’s path to inclusive democracy.
“We will continue to support the people of Burma and all those working toward a restoration of Burma’s democratic path and a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” Ned said.
– global bihari bureau
