Pajau Media Channel
April 26th, 2024
Local residents in Momauk Town, Kachin State, have reported that SAC forces have entered and deployed throughout the area. Many residents have been arbitrarily arrested, while some have been released with injuries.
According to an individual close to one of the released detainees, "A SAC official advised detainees to cooperate and provide their names and addresses. If the information was deemed truthful, the individual was released, as honesty was valued," he stated.
The individual in question was apprehended on April 24th and released three days later, around 11:00 PM, with visible bruises.
SAC forces began their presence in Momauk Town on April 24th, detaining local residents, potentially to use them as human shields.
The aforementioned source also recounted an incident where an arrestee was questioned about KIA activity. Despite not witnessing any KIA presence, the arrestee was accused of collusion due to his ethnicity, leading to his arrest and subsequent torture by SAC personnel.
There are unconfirmed reports of at least 10 arrests by the SAC's No (437) battalion in Momauk, although Pajau Media's investigation is ongoing.
Furthermore, SAC forces have been observed stationed in various locations, including Christian churches, with threats to burn them down if attacked by KIA forces. Additionally, SAC troops fired upon returning Momauk residents, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
Since April 23rd, SAC forces have engaged in clashes with the Kachin Independence Army in the Hka Nan ward neighborhood of Momauk Town.
Currently, SAC forces in the town are reported to be looting homes for food and materials.
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