Since the military overthrew the democratic government almost a year ago, the junta has killed 163 ethnic Chin. Some of them were killed by the armed forces for peacefully protesting, others were killed by artillery fire and some of them were tied up and burnt alive, according to the Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA).

A spokeswoman for the ICA told Khonumthung News that the number of people killed could be much higher.

"The military deliberately targeted civilians. Burma has signed the Geneva Convention and must abide by a military code of conduct by protecting civilians during the conflict. Burma Army (BA) should not attack hospitals, schools and churches,'' but it has committed ''crimes against humanity," she said.

BA refused to return the bodies of some of those killed during interrogation and some died from stepping on concealed landmines.

Soldiers have used excessive force since October, when the regime launched its Anawrahta offensive against civilian resistance groups.

The BA has burned 800 houses and 7 churches in Thangtlang in Chin State since September.

Of the 163 people killed by the junta between 1 February and 31 December, 86 were ordinary civilians and 76 had joined resistance groups fighting the BA.

The military killed 17 women and burned 7 men alive, while refusing to return the bodies of 8 people murdered in custody.

ICA demands that the dictatorship take full responsibility for the destruction and death in Thangtlang and other areas and stop killing more civilians or attacking their property.