UN ‘horrified’ by Myanmar massacre reports

(Representative photo)

A UN official yesterday said he was “horrified” by credible reports that at least 35 civilians, possibly including two aid workers, were killed and their bodies burned in Myanmar, and demanded the government launch an investigation. “I condemn this grievous incident and all attacks against civilians throughout the country, which are prohibited under international humanitarian law,” United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Martin Griffiths said in a statement. “I call upon the authorities to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident,” said Griffiths, who noted that two workers for non-profit group Save the Children remain missing after their vehicle was among several that were attacked and burned in the incident in eastern Kaya state. Meanwhile Aid group Save the Children said it was suspending operations in Myanmar’s strife-torn Kayah state after two staff members went missing in the  attack. The two staff were travelling to their home villages for the year-end holidays when they were caught up in the violence in the eastern state, Save the Children said in a statement. “We have confirmation that their private vehicle was attacked and burned out,” the statement said. Opposition groups blamed the military, which seized power from a civilian government in February, for the carnage near Mo So village of Hpruso town. Junta spokesman General Zaw Mun Tun did not answer his telephone yesterday. Reuters could not independently verify Saturday’s accounts of the attack from a local resident, media reports and a local human rights group. State media reported army troops had fired on and killed an unspecified number of “terrorists with weapons” from armed opposition forces fighting the military government. Photos shared by Karenni Human Rights Group and local media showed the charred remains of bodies on burnt-out truckbeds. A villager told Reuters that he had seen 32 bodies, while Save the Children said at least 38 people were killed.  The London-based charity said it had suspended operations in Kayah and parts of neighbouring Karen state and in the Magway region. “We are horrified at the violence carried out against innocent civilians and our staff, who are dedicated humanitarians, supporting millions of children in need across Myanmar,” said Save the Children’s chief executive, Inger Ashing.