Three militia soldiers shot dead before USDP candidate arrives in Mongkoe
Three militia soldiers were shot dead on October 23, just hours before the arrival of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) candidate in Mongkoe, the former stronghold of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB), in Shan State, according to residents.
About 3 hours before Duwa Zuk Dau, who is the USDP candidate and the leader of the local militia in Mongkoe, arrived at his home town, three military personnel under his command were shot inside No. 1 Burmese Military Base between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., said local sources.
Burmese military authorities have not identified the killers, and no person or group has claimed responsibility for the deaths.
Duwa Zuk Dau, who mostly lives in Rangoon, came back to Mongkoe to organize his campaign for the November 7 election. He was accompanied by his counterpart, Hpawng Seng militia leader, Duwa Lau Yawng.
The two militia leaders gave campaign speeches the day after the shootings to over two hundred Kachin people at the hall of the Kachin Baptist Church in town, according to local residents.
According to some who attended, Duwa Zuk Dau told the audience his decision to run for the Nationalities Parliament in Shan State was made under pressure from the country’s military rulers in Naypyitaw.
He also said the Burman-led regime will not grant complete autonomy to Kachin people in both Kachin and Shan States.
A police officer was fatally shot at the military check point between Mongkoe and Hpawng Seng by an unknown assailant about 5 p.m. that same day, local residents said.
The Burmese military sent Infantry Battalion (IB) No. 45, from Kutkai, IB No. 123, from Nam Hpak Ka, and IB No. 145 from Hopang to the area weeks before the two Kachin USDP candidates arrival, according to local sources.
Eyewitnesses reported Burmese soldiers in the three battalions are forcing local civilians from Mongkoe and Hpawng Seng to construct their military bunkers.
Over 50 troops from the Lau Yawng’s Hpawng Seng militia have also been sent to Mongkoe, local people said.
Zuk Dau, has dealt with the Burman-led central government since the army started offensive wars against the CPB in Shan State in 1961.
Kachin News
