A murder investigation has been launched in an area controlled by Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) in Kachin State, Burma.

 

Col Naw Bu, in charge of KIO's information department, said three suspects have already been arrested for the five murders, which were committed simultaneously in early July in Bhamo District.

The case, which is still under investigation, was referred to the district court.

 

The victims, all members of the same family, were murdered on July 2 at their home in Gaidaw village, Mansi Township.

 

Naw Bu told NMG that their slayings may have been linked to a land dispute, according to an initial investigation.

The suspects were arrested on July 4.

The highest penalty for murder, under the KIO's legal system, is a death sentence, Naw Bu says. "We have legal procedures, and that depends on the case. There are two ways in which a decision can be made. The first is the decision of the KIO's legal court. The second is determined by a traditional system."

 

Once the district court has finished, KIO's central court will re-investigate the case and issue the final verdict.

 

The victims are Lan Zane Tangun, Sunlut Htu Nan (spouse), Maung Lan Zane San Li Naw (son), Maung Lan Zane Doi San Awng and Yan Htu.

 

A thirteen-year-old member of the family managed to survive the attack and is being cared for by KIO officials.