Saw Thein Nyin, headman of Tha Roe Village, Thandaung Township, Toungoo District, North Western Karen State, was captured on 19 September and killed on 28 September, 2005.

He was killed by troops of Burma Army IB 53, led by commander Thain Nying Soe. He was captured by troops of Burma Army IB 53 and taken to the vicinity of Kam Thee Holee where he was murdered.

‘This needless death is an attempt to intimidate this village community and cement the control of the Burma Army in this area. This is one of many tragic examples of SPDC brutality and violence against IDPs.’ A Free Burma Rangers spokesman said.

Saw Aung Ko La, the new headman who took Saw Thein Nyin’s place, was captured by Burma Army IB 53 on 4 October, 2005 and tortured. He was forced to lay down in the village and large wood logs were placed on his chest.

Burma Army troops stood on both sides of him, balanced on the logs. They then jumped up and down breaking 8 of his ribs.

On 11 October, 2005, the Burma Army built a new camp at Boe M’Dee, south of Toungoo. All traffic going from Toungoo into the Karen hills is now limited to 1 truck per month.

‘The blockades are part of the Burma Army’s attempt to stop all support for the Karen resistance.’ A Free Burma Ranger spokesman said.