Outrage in Myanmar after 11 villagers allegedly shot, set on fire by government troops

Photos and a video of charred corpses in Done Taw village in Sagaing region circulated widely online, but have not been independently verified

The UN and Myanmar’s underground National Unity Government condemned the alleged massacre, amid reports that five children were among the dead

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A scene from a video shows a bloodstain on the ground near charred corpses in Done Taw village in the Sagaing region of Myanmar, after an alleged massacre by government troops. Photo: AP

Published: 11:15am, 9 Dec 2021

Outrage has spread on social media in Myanmar over images and accounts of the alleged killing and burning of 11 villagers captured by government troops in the country’s northwest.

Photos and a video of charred corpses in Done Taw village in Sagaing region circulated widely on Tuesday and Wednesday. They were said to be have been taken soon after the men were killed and their bodies set on fire.

The material could not be independently verified. An account given to Associated Press by a person who said he went to the scene generally matched descriptions of the incident carried by independent Myanmar media.

The government has not commented on the allegations. If confirmed, they would be the latest atrocity in an increasingly bitter struggle following the military’s seizure of power in February and ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The takeover was initially met with nonviolent street protests, but after police and soldiers used lethal force against demonstrators, violence escalated as opponents of military rule took up arms in self defence.

The witness said about 50 troops marched into Done Taw village at about 11am on Tuesday, seizing anyone who did not manage to flee.