Nyan Lynn Aung 25 Mar 2019
A police officer was shot dead by two unknown assailants while he was having dinner at a restaurant near a police station in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State, on Saturday night, police said.
Police Inspector Kyaw Kyaw Hla of Tain Nyo police station in Mrauk-U died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest while he was being operated on at hospital, the official said.
The shooting is suspected to be tied to the Arakan Army (AA) because the victim had allegedly received a threatening letter and a bullet from the AA a month ago.
“We are not sure who shot him, but it might be members of the AA,” said an officer at Mrauk-U township police station.
Rakhine State Police Chief Colonel Kyi Lin confirmed the shooting and that police are investigating but that no suspects had been identified.
According to local villagers, two gunshots were heard at around 8pm on Saturday near Tain Nyo police station.
U Wai Hla Aung of Tain Nyo village said the death worried local people and that some have had to flee their homes because of threats to their safety. He added that their security is greatly endangered by ongoing fighting between the AA and the Tatmadaw (military).
According to police in Rakhine’s capital, Sittwe, there have been seven assassinations since last December but no suspects have been detained in connection with the shootings.
A spokesperson for the AA denied that the group carried out Saturday’s shooting. “We believe the killing is an attempt to sow public confusion and blame the AA.”
Clashes between the Tatmadaw and AA started last December, occurring in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, and Mrauk-U townships as well as along the Laymyo River. The fighting is said to have involved the use of artillery.
People living nearby say they live in constant fear of being killed or injured by landmines or of the military forcing them to serve as guides in mined areas.
Link :https://www.mmtimes.com/news/police-officer-killed-mrauk-u.html
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