Prison guards shot dead 7 inmates and injured nearly 30 after prisoners gaoled for political offenses protested against unfair conditions at the Kalay town prison in Sagaing Region.
The guards opened fire on them from a watchtower after an altercation at 4 pm on 15 March, a Kalay man close to the staff told Khonumthung News on condition of anonymity.
He said they’re unhappy with the discrimination they face compared to ordinary prisoners.
One of inmates killed was Shalom Shang Thang Lian (also known as Van Dein), a member of the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) fighting to overthrow Burma’s dictatorship. He was arrested in Kalay town in June 2021.
The military regime reported that they were shot while trying to break out of the prison, the CNDF spokesperson said. ”This is nonsense! In prison, inmates aren’t allowed to hold a pin. It’s impossible to break out of prison. There’s no reason to shoot them for protesting. They could’ve resolved the matter peacefully. This just shows how brutal the military junta is,” he said.
According to the regime, about 50 inmates took three guards hostage during an escape attempt. Seven prisoners were killed and seven wounded after staff fired into the air.
Another anonymous source familiar with the prison staff said the bodies of the killed prisoners were taken to the hospital in Kalay later that evening between 8 and 9 pm. ”Their report is wrong. They’re used to lying to the people.”
According to the regime, the other killed inmates are Chan Min Ko, Myo Min Tun, Tue Khine, Nyunt Win Aung, Win Ko Naing and Tin Pe.