KALAY, SAGAING: A 74-year-old head monk from Min Kin township is shot dead on the night of August 18, according to local residents.

Based on local reports, the ‘Moe Kyo Mone Dine’ is responsible for the killing of the monk. 

“To be honest, we do not know the exact details of this instance. However, I can confirm that the murder did take place. The ‘Moe Kyo Mone Dine’ group is responsible for the murder, according to reports. I believe it is a Sayadaw (head monk) who was murdered,” says a local resident from Min Kin township.

Based on local reports, the monk has been classified as a ‘military informant’ because he provided a temporary place to stay for military forces when they came to his village. 

Numerous murders and killings have taken place in Min Kin, Yin Mar Pin, Pearl, Kani, Tan Sei, Yay Oo, Myaing, Khin Oo, Monywa, and other townships of Sagaing Region after persons are accused of being military informants.

According to the ruling military’s information team, a group of thirty PDF (People’s Defense Force) fighters shot dead Kyaung Htaing head monk (74 years old) on August 18 at 8:30 pm after he was accused of being a military informant.

The local People’s Defense Forces from Min Kin Township disputes these accusations and told RFA Burmese that they are not responsible for the killing of Kyaung Htaing head monk. A member of the local PDF also told RFA that the Moe Kyo Mone Dine group is not responsible for this killing.