Myanmar military admits killing five civilians in Shan State, promises action against perpetrators

In an unprecedented admission, the Myanmar Military or the Tatmadaw, has accepted that its soldiers killed five civilians in Shan State's Lashio township and added that it will take action against the perpetrators responsible for the crime.

At a press conference on Wednesday in Yangon, Lieutenant General Mya Tun Oo, who works in the office of Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said a military tribunal would try those responsible for killing the five men, who died during interrogation.

"There are rules and regulations in interrogating. They need to be followed. If someone fails to follow them, it requires that action be taken," said Lt Gen Mya Tun Oo.

He also promised that the Tatmadaw would fully disclose the outcome of the case, including any punishment meted out to the perpetrators, and would offer assistance to the victim families.

The Shan State has been torn by conflicts between the Tatmadaw and several ethnic armed groups in recent years, and civilians are frequently detained for interrogations about suspected ties with the latter.

Tatmadaw has always faced allegations of misconduct — particularly against ethnic minority populations — from human rights advocates and ethnic armed groups.