A junta airstrike on a Thadingyut oil lamp strike in Chaung U Township, Sagaing Region, killed 17 civilians, including women and children, and injured about 40 others, according to local sources.
On the full moon day of Thadingyut, 6 October, a paramotor aircraft from the Northwestern Military Command dropped two 120-mm mortar bombs on a school in Bonto village, Chaung U Township.
“So far, 17 people have died. Some victims suffered severe injuries, including broken or missing limbs, and there are serious concerns about the condition of the injured, so the death toll may rise,” a Chaung U resident told Mizzima.
He said the attack occurred while residents were gathered for a joint oil lamp strike marking the Thadingyut full moon, held in defiance of the military dictatorship.
A second bomb was dropped near Bonto village while locals were treating the wounded, though the extent of the damage is still unclear, the resident added.
Locals and defence forces suspect the attack may have been based on intelligence from a military informant and have urged the public to remain cautious.
At the same time, military supporters were holding an opening ceremony for a public park along Kyaukka Road in Monywa, playing music and singing, according to residents.
That night, artillery stationed in Kyauk Sit Pon village near Monywa fired heavy weapons at nearby villages, killing one resident, local defence forces said.
On the night of the full moon, paramotors from the Northwestern Military Command reportedly flew over Kampya, Taungpulu, Kho Than, Nyaung Phyu Pin, and Naga Twin villages in Monywa Township.
A member of the local defence forces said paramotors cannot be brought down with small arms and require heavy weapons, such as .50 calibre machine guns. He appealed for public support to obtain the necessary equipment.
Strike committees across the country had urged the public to light oil lamps in their homes, yards, and religious sites on the full moon day, symbolizing the people’s ongoing resistance.
Organizers said the nationwide candlelight strike was aimed at calling for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, the repeal of the forced conscription law, and a total boycott of the military’s planned elections.
photo credit - CJ
