However, they stated that even the police admitted that security conditions in
Kachin State were poor and that people could not fully protect their own lives. The
victim’s motorcycle and phone have still not been recovered. The family also stated
that the victim’s clothes had been changed after death to clean away bloodstains
before the body was wrapped in plastic and abandoned. The deceased was aged 19.
Although the family has demanded justice and an investigation, no answers have
been provided to date.
On April 8, 2026, local residents and church members held a Christian funeral
service and buried the victim in a Christian cemetery. Residents stated that similar
cases of abandoned bodies being found in garbage dumping areas have become more
common in Myitkyina after the military coup. Relatives of the victim reportedly
informed the Kachin State Chief Minister and the Border Affairs Minister about
the case, but no response has yet been received. Reports also stated that arrests and
forced recruitment activities continue at checkpoints around Myitkyina, including
Nan Kway (Battalion 37 route), Palana Gate, Long Kha Zup militia gate, Akye, and
Shadaw gates.
In Myitkyina, frequent overnight household registration inspections and surprise
checks are carried out. Civilians found outside after 10:00 PM are reportedly
arrested and released only after paying up to 1.2 million kyats. Those unable to pay
are reportedly subjected to forced military recruitment.
Security forces stationed around the Nan Kwe junction on the Myitkyina circular
road, near the Northern Regional Military Command headquarters, have set up
checkpoints in public areas. At these checkpoints, they inspect motorcycles, phones,
cars, and personal belongings, and arrest people they suspect. Victims are taken
to military compounds, where they face threats, beatings, torture, and, in some
cases, killings. Local residents say Kachin people in Myitkyina have frequently
been arrested and killed since the military coup.
One victim explained that on October 12, 2025, around 4:30 PM, he was stopped
by junta soldiers while dealing with work-related matters. Soldiers searched his
car, phone, and money, then beat him and confiscated his vehicle, phone, money,
and computer equipment. He added that five junta soldiers arrested him and took
him to Nan Kwe Creek, where he was severely beaten with weapons, sticks, fists,
and kicks. He suffered injuries to his back, head, face, and forehead. He stated
that the soldiers beat him until they believed he was dead, then threw him into the
creek.
21 | "Inhumane Acts" by KHRW