The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has reported that a commission, established to investigate the killing of nine civilians in La Wah village, Hpakant Township, Kachin State, is nearing completion of its task.
Colonel Naw Bu, the KIA Information Officer, has confirmed to the Myitkyina News Journal that the KIA is currently conducting an investigation to identify those who may have been involved in the case.
The nine individuals who lost their lives were friends hailing from various towns, including Sarhmaw, Namti, and Bhamo. It is alleged they were apprehended by members of KIA/PDF when they went fishing at the farm owned by U Kyaw Soe, from Mokaung, who was also a victim.
The bodies of seven victims were discovered in a 7-foot-wide pit about two miles from La Wah village, where they were taken captive. Two other individuals were found buried in a separate pit.
So far no clear motive for the killings has emerged.
Various commissions are diligently working to uncover the truth of the case, and once the investigation yields its results, the civilian-formed commission and the KIA-formed commission will convene and collaborate on the next steps, an individual involved in the investigation told Myitkyina News Journal.
“ The final step is to facilitate an exchange of opinions between KIA’s commission and the public’s commission. Having gathered all necessary information, the KIA is keen to understand the findings of the public. Once both sides have had their say, a mutually agreed decision can be reached”, he commented.
The public is fervently seeking justice for the victims, and the investigation is currently making significant progress.
“I cannot provide an exact timeline for completion, but they will be in touch again shortly. We anticipate that the process will not be very long. Once we have combined their findings with our own, we will promptly release the information to the public”, he added.
The deceased include U Kyaw Soe from Mokaung, Ma Khawn Bu, and Ma Nan Lwam from Sarhmaw, U La Zun Tu Lwan from Bhamo, Tun Aye (also known as Ma Shaung), U Shei, U Tun Yon from Bhamo, Ko Pho Tote, and Namti resident U Yaw Han, all aged between 20 and 50.
