One person was allegedly tortured and killed by the Burmese Army after villagers questioned paying illegal taxes at high rates to the militia force in Tenasserim Division, the families of the victims said.

The three villagers, from Ale Sakhan village in Yebyu Township of Tenasserim Division, had decided to risk repercussions and come forward with their complaints in having to pay Kyat 6000 to the Burmese militia force (Pyi-Thu-Sit). They were immediately arrested by the Light Infantry Battalion No. 282 on February 4.  Among the three, Mr. Nai Tun Lein, was killed shortly after he was brought in to the local military detention camp, while Mr. Nai Nyunt and Mr. Nai Ba Mon are reportedly still being held in the detention centre.

A local driver who witnessed the incident said, "The three men had wanted to voice their complaints to the village administrators who were demanding that each household pay high taxes to the militia affairs."

For many years, the local people have been living in fear and uncertainty with many poor people bearing the brunt in having to support the local Burmese militia units.

The joint forces of the Burmese battalion and the local militia has launched a military operation against the Mon National Defense Organization led by Major Jalon Taw who split from the New Mon State Party (NMSP) last year.  Taw later confirmed the villagers’ arrest, via the Thai satellite phone, to a Kaowao reporter from the area.

Southern Ye of Mon State and Yebyu of Tenasserim Division area is designated by the Burmese Army as a black zone and villagers have been restricted from visiting their farms since the army started the offensive aimed at wiping out the Mon guerrilla group.