A National League for Democracy (NLD) ward chairman in Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region was arrested in the wake of a grenade attack on junta officials and reportedly tortured to death.
According to residents, NLD party’s ward (4) chairman Aung Myint Soe, 50, who was allegedly arrested after the bombing incident on the military junta's troops and a police chief in Athote Town in Yegyi Township, passed away while being interrogated.
Despite the 2021 coup, he chose to remain at home instead of fleeing like other members of the NLD party. Described by residents as amicable, Aung Myint Soe was well-regarded in the community.
On 30 August, an unfortunate incident took place at the Happy Tea Shop in the town. A hand grenade was thrown by unknown group into the establishment, landing near the table where the police chief of Athote Town, the ward administrator, and military troops were seated.
Despite the fact that the thrown grenade did not detonate, the presence of military troops and police caused a chaotic scene. They began firing their guns without a clear target, and in the aftermath, civilians were said to have been wrongfully arrested and accused of being involved in the incident, according to a local resident.
“The people who threw a grenade ran away. As of 1 September, around ten people, including people from downtown and villages in Athote town, had been arrested,” the resident said.
A local woman reported that Aung Myint Soe, was among those arrested. Tragically, he passed away due to torture inflicted by the Military Intelligence, Military troops and police.
“He was arrested the day after the bombing on 31 August. He endured torture at both the Athote Police Station and later at the Yegyi Police Station. He was subjected to further torture, which ultimately resulted in his death,” she added.
On 3 September, the military forces and police delivered the news of Aung Myint Soe's passing to the family. Rather than returning the deceased's body, they only returned an urn containing his cremated ashes, she said.
Currently, local residents report that the remaining families of the men allegedly arrested in connection with the grenade attack are deeply concerned.
