A Karen farm worker who was abducted by junta forces during a military raid in Mon State’s Thanbyuzayat Township has been shot dead, according to local resistance sources.
The incident occurred near Kalaingpadaw village, where junta troops began advancing into the area on June 12. According to locals, the junta captured 10 farm workers working along a forested path near the eastern outskirts of Konemyinttharyar village.
Seven of the detainees managed to escape on June 13 during a clash between junta forces and the Ramonnya Mon Army (RMA). Two more escaped the following day amid renewed fighting between the military and allied Karen resistance forces.
The final remaining detainee attempted to flee but was shot and killed by junta troops. He was later identified as a resident of Konemyinttharyar village, according to a member of a local resistance group.
“Out of the 10 villagers initially captured, seven escaped during the first day’s chaos. When fighting resumed the next day, two more managed to flee. But the last man was shot dead as he tried to run,” the resistance fighter said.
Although the area around Kalaingpadaw and Konemyinttharyar villages is currently calm, resistance forces report that the junta has been reinforcing its troops. This has raised concerns that further clashes could erupt at any time.
“Since the day of the initial battle, the junta has been sending in reinforcements and preparing for more offensives. Our side is monitoring the situation closely, but things are still unstable. If more columns advance, more clashes are likely,” said a local resistance member.
In light of the situation, the Ramonnya Mon Army (RMA) has urged civilians to stay alert to military developments in their areas and to be aware of the risks posed by junta shelling and airstrikes in potential conflict zones.
On June 13, at around noon, resistance forces reportedly ambushed an advancing military column near Kalaingpadaw and Konemyinttharyar, resulting in a brief but intense half-hour firefight between the two sides.
