A local news source told that two young people died as a result of an interrogation by the junta in Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay Region. The incident occurred on the night of August 27 at the corner of 56th Street and 133rd Street, in Ward (Z), Industrial Zone (1), Pyigyidagun Township.

According to the source, ‘The ward administrator of Z Ward, U Tin Moe, often collaborates with the military council to stop motorcycles and cars passing in front of the office every night, verbally abusing and extorting money from them. On the night of the 27th, the incident happened when the two young people returning from work were stopped while riding their motorcycle.’

The source said the two young people on the motorcycle lost control and fell when they were stopped and interrogated by the Z Ward administrator and members of the military council.

According to a source, one of the youths involved in the fall was taken to the hospital that night and died the next morning from severe injuries. Additionally, the source stated that the other young person was shot and killed by the military council’s troops that same night, with the body being disposed of.

‘The other one is missing. They said they heard three gunshots in the neighborhood that night. According to the locals, it is believed that the body was disposed of,’ the source said.

The two deceased youths were in their early 20s. Only the body of the young person who died in the motorcycle accident has been recovered. As of now, the Z Ward administrator appointed by the military council has not provided any explanation regarding the incident, the source said.

‘Incidents like this keep happening all the time in Mandalay. The people are afraid of them (the military council troops and the administrators), so they don’t speak out. The more people remain silent out of fear, the worse they become,’ said a member of the Mandalay Strike Force.

Local residents stated that due to the escalating clashes near Mandalay city, the military council has increased security and tightened its oppression. According to the local news agency Mandalay Free Press, over 50 civilians have died during interrogations by the military council’s troops and administrators since the military council took power in Mandalay.