Two women from the Independent Youth Scout Group resistance force killed themselves when they detonated a home-made mine they were carrying whilst being stopped and searched by junta soldiers.

The incident happened in Mintel Gyi Village, in Sagaing Region’s Kawlin Township at around 9:15 a.m. on 7 January.

Junta soldiers were marching in Kawlin Township from Kyoekhone and Wayong Khone Villages to Min Chan and Tel Gyi Kone Villages. The two women, both members of the Independent Youth Scout Group resistance force, rode ahead of the soldiers on a motorcycle with the mine, planning to plant it further along the soldiers’ route. But, they were stopped and searched by soldiers at the front of the column, according to local civil society organisation (CSO), the Kawlin Revolution (KR) Team.

A representative from KR Team said: “The women were only carrying the mine and a remote control to carry out a mine attack on the Military Council column. They didn’t have guns to fight back with. I believe they chose to die together to avoid being arrested and tortured. I believe about two Military Council soldiers were affected.”

The two women were named as Ma Su Su Ye, age 45 and Ma Hninsi Phyu, age 20.

Following the incident junta troops removed the two women’s bodies and the junta seized Ma Su Su Ye’s home on 8 January, according to the KR Team representative.