FBR Report: Kachin FBR Good Life Club Counselor Killed by Burma Army
Kachin State, Burma 25 January, 2013Dear friends, one our Kachin Rangers, 20 year old Zau Hkawng, a Good Life Club counselor, has been killed by the Burma Army while defending his people in Kachin State. He had been missing in action but his body has now been found. We are very sorry to lose him and pray for his family, team and friends. In the sacrifice of his life Zau Hkawng lived out Jesus’ words, “Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”
On 16 August 2012, Zau Hkwang was carrying food and giving assistance to Kachin soldiers who were in a line of defense protecting the Kachin people under attack by the Burma Army in Pang Wa, Kachin State. The Burma Army overwhelmed the Kachin position and the Kachin soldiers were forced to retreat. Zau Hkawng chose to cover their retreat and remained as the last man in the position until all others had escaped. By his actions the Burma Army was not able to kill more of the Kachin and were slowed in the taking of the position. In doing this he lost his life. He was last seen defending the hill alone. His body was recovered on 10 December 2012 after the Burma Army left the immediate area.
Zau Hkawng said he joined the FBR because he loved his people and wanted to serve them well. In his role as a Good Life Club counselor he focused on the needs of women and children. He was a loving, energetic and humble young man who gave his all to anyone who needed help. We thank God for him and for his life and are sad for his death. In the midst of our sorrow we trust that nothing precious is eternally lost in God’s hands. And we believe we will see him again in the place God has prepared for all of us. We honor Zau Hkwang’s courage. His loss makes us more determined to make good his sacrifice for freedom, justice and reconciliation for all in Burma.
May God Bless You,
The Free Burma Rangers