CNI News
29 April 2025
More than 400 locals from Kyaungle and Pinkha Villages in Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region, have been abducted by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) since January and have not been released to this day, according to those close to family members and locals.
On January 16, 2025, the KIA troops entered Kyaungle and Pinkha villages in Banmauk Township, set up military camps, and on the 19th of January, abducted 465 locals and left.
Those arrested on January 19, 2025, have not been released to this day, and their condition has been unknown, said family members and locals.
“KIA troops entered Pinkha village on January 16, 2025. On the 19th, they abducted 465 villagers. None of them have been released yet. The family members who remained in the village are worried because they have not received any news so far. We demand their immediate release. Various international and domestic organizations also pretend to be unaware of the human rights violations committed by the KIA, only condemning other groups when they do so. Therefore, we also want the international community to take action against the KIA's human rights violations." said a Banmauk local.
While seeing Kyaungle and Pinkha Villages in Banmauk Township
Family members and locals said that 465 locals from Kyaungle and Pinkha villages were arrested and taken away by the KIA and taken to Khin Bwe-Yar Bwe Village, Nantat Village Tract, Banmauk Township.
Family members and locals said that among the 465 arrested locals, there are 8 people over 70, 5 novices, 12 pregnant women, and 204 children.
The KIA is leading the People's Defense Forces (PDF) in Banmauk Township and is waging battles to capture Banmauk Town, while also recruiting local people from nearby villages.
On September 4, 2022, the KIA and PDF joint forces also arrested and killed a Shanni ethnic monk from Naungpat Village, Banmauk Township.
Currently, battles are taking place in Banmauk Township between the KIA/PDF joint force and the Shanni National Army (SNA).
