The anti-regime People’s Defence Force (PDF) has detained more than a dozen members of a local resistance group over the shooting last week of the leader of a People’s Defence Team (PDT) in Sagaing Region’s Wetlet Township.
The incident occurred on February 17, when U San, the PDT leader for the village of Sar Taung Gyi, sustained an injury to his thigh after being shot by snipers, allegedly from an anti-junta group called the GZ Special Task Force.
“Two members of the GZ group shot at the Sar Taung Gyi PDT leader U San at the behest of their leader. The People’s Security Team made the arrests after carrying out an investigation, and we accompanied them,” said a member of the Shwebo District PDF who did not want to be named.
The Shwebo District PDF is under the direct command of the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), whereas PDTs are local groups operating under the NUG’s Ministry of Defence. People’s Security Teams function as the NUG’s police force in areas under its control.
According to a local who is close to resistance forces active in the area, nine members of the GZ Special Task Force were arrested initially, followed by 10 more who were later taken into custody. A total of 11 had been released by Thursday, while eight were still being held.
The local said that the GZ Special Task Force leader cooperated with the investigation and allowed the accused perpetrators to be taken away for questioning.
“He let them take his men, saying they didn’t do it,” said K. J., adding that the detained resistance fighters were beaten as they were interrogated one at a time.
According to the Shwebo District PDF member who spoke to Myanmar Now, the alleged culprits confessed to their crime, which he said was ordered by their leader.
“In fact, their leader should come and explain himself. Instead, he has run away. It’s obvious that he ordered the attack, and he will be prosecuted,” said the PDF member.
However, when contacted by Myanmar Now, the GZ Special Task Force leader denied the allegations.
“Our members weren’t even in that village. I don’t know why they want to interrogate us,” he said, noting that several members of his group were also detained in December.
He also accused the Shwebo District PDF—which covers six Sagaing Region townships, including Wetlet—of harassing local people and other resistance groups in the area.
“The NUG should control its troops. It’s like they are allowed to do as they please. They’re not getting along well with the people and other resistance groups. I want the NUG people to come and learn about the situation on the ground,” he said.
In September of last year, another group, the Bo Tiger PDF, called on the NUG to investigate a clash with Shwebo District PDF Battalion 2 that left two of its members dead.
In another incident in November, members of the Sar Taung Gyi PDT were accused of killing two displaced villagers who they suspected of acting as military informants.
Last week, the NUG disbanded an anti-junta armed group in northern Shan State’s Muse Township for killing six of its own members who left over issues with its leader.
The NUG faced criticism early last year for its handling of a series of killings committed by members of the Yinmarbin PDF, led by former monk Bo Thanmani.
Since then, it has attempted to establish rule of law in areas under its control.
Myanmar’s junta placed Wetlet Township, along with Shwebo and Ayadaw townships, under martial law on Wednesday, bringing the total number of townships in Sagaing Region subject to emergency measures to 14.
