Seven prisoners were killed and 17 others were injured when prison officials opened fire on them for allegedly trying to escape from Sagaing Division’s Kale Township Prison on 15 March at around 4 p.m., according to a source close to the prison.

A group of about 50 prisoners, led by a prisoner from No. 5 dormitory who went under the pseudonym Van Din, tried to escape by kidnapping and holding hostage three people, including U Kyaw Thu, the prison’s assistant director. Prison officials then opened fire killing prisoners.

Mizzima received a list of deaths from a source close to the prison. They include: Myo Min Tun, Win Ko Naing, Maung Nyi, Chan Min Ko, Two Khaing, Nyunt Win Aung and Salai Shakhun Shan Thang Lian. The injured have not yet been identified.

Van Din was identified as Salai Shakhun Shan Thang Lian. He was a member of the Chin National Organization/Chin National Defence Force (CNO/CNDF) who was arrested by the Military Council in Kale township in June 2021 and was being held in Kale Prison, according to the Chin National Defense Force.

The Chin National Organization (CNO) issued a special condolence letter that mourned the death of Comrade Van Din, expressed their respect for his contributions and sent condolences to his bereaved family. They also pledged their allegiance to his name and all the other fallen martyrs, saying they would fight to the end and never forget him.

Van Din’s body was taken to Kale Township People's Hospital for an autopsy on 16 March and his cremation will follow.