Christian Solidarity Worldwide has condemned what is says is the killing of two Kachin civilians by the Burmese Army, calling on the Burmese Army to “take seriously its commitment to the de-escalation of the conflict”.
CSW says news of the killings comes just weeks after after the Burmese government and the Kachin Independence Organisation signed a seven point agreement in Myitkyina on 30th May in which they agreed to “undertake efforts to achieve de-escalation and cessation of hostilities”.
According to CSW, a Kachin civilian named Zahkung Lum Hkawng was tortured and beaten before being shot dead by Burmese Army troops in Northern Shan State on 14th June. Lum Hkwang had been accused of deliberately leading soldiers into an ambush.
They say the same day an unnamed civilian was killed by the Burmese Army on the road between Nan Gat and Ying La villages.
Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of CSW, says the organisation condemned the killings. “We call on the Burmese Army”s to take seriously its commitment to the de-escalation of the conflict and encourage all parties involved in the conflict to work towards the cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace agreement.”
Earlier this year, CSW representatives undertook a four week fact-finding mission to Burma after which they reported internally displaced Kachin people had experienced horrific physical, psychological and sexual torture. The report welcomed what it said were signs of political change but also highlighted what they said were “many very grave challenges and concerns, particularly in respect to the protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief”.
