Hostage Situation in Sagaing Division, Myanmar
Yangon 04.03.24
Over 50 civilian staff members have been taken hostage by the People’s Defense Force (PDF) amidst intense clashes in Kani and Pinlebu Town, Sagaing Division, Myanmar. The security forces and PDF engaged in a fierce battle in Kani Town during the early hours of March 2, 2024.
During the skirmish, PDF insurgents forcibly abducted over 40 staff members from various sectors including education, health, and administration. The abduction took place at a high school and combined office within the township administration department. Similarly, more than 20 staff members and their families from the education and agriculture sectors were taken hostage by PDF insurgents during a clash with security forces around 5 am on March 2, 2024.
While some hostages from the agriculture department have been released, 12 individuals from the education department remain in captivity. Notably, Dr. Kyaw Aung and two department heads from Dawei Technical University were also taken hostage by PDF insurgents on February 28, 2024.
This incident follows a previous attack on Kalay University by PDF insurgents on February 26, 2024, where hundreds of students and teachers were abducted and held as hostages. It is imperative to note that the PDF insurgents are supported by the National Unity Government (NUG), which operates from abroad in defiance of legal authority.
Tragically, it has been reported that approximately 7,000 innocent civilians have been brutally killed by the PDF under the command of the NUG since 2021. This raises serious concerns about accountability and justice for the victims of these heinous acts.
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