Journalist Shot in Myawaddy Fighting

A Burmese reporter in Myawaddy Township was shot and critically injured on Tuesday while covering the fighting between an anti-government Karen group and Burmese government troops.


Thein Htun, 39, a reporter for the Rangoon-based Hmu-gin (Crime) journal was shot near a city administration building, sources said. He is being treated at Myawaddy hospital.


He sustain a servere wound, a witness at the scene told The Irrawaddy.


According to local residents, the father of Than Dai, who is a candidate of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, was shot dead by Democratic Karen Buddhist Army soldiers when fighting broke out in the town on Monday.


At least three people have died and 29 people have been injured since Monday and “many of the injured at Myawaddy hospital are women,” said a source.


More than 20,000 Burmese have sought refuge across the border in Thailand’s Mae Sot District.


The English language Bangkok Post on Tuesday quoted Third Army Commander Wannatip Wongwai as saying that all refugees are expected to return home by Tuesday evening.


Lt-Gen Wannathip said the Burmese side had reported that the situation in Myawaddy was under control.


Some refugees returned home on Tuesday morning, according to the newspaper.


 

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