Budalin is a town in Budalin Township, Monywa District, Sagaing Division in Myanmar (Burma). As the administrative center of Budalin Township, it serves as a vital center for local governance and is connected by road and rail to neighboring areas, including Monywa, Tabayin, Khin-U, and Ye-U, via a bridge across the Mu River.[1]
Budalin
ဘုတလင် Butalin | |
|---|---|
Town | |
  Budalin Location in Burma | |
| Coordinates: 22°23′23″N 95°08′32″E / 22.38972°N 95.14222°E | |
| Country |  Myanmar |
| Region |  Sagaing Region |
| District | Monywa District |
| Township | Budalin Township |
| Time zone | UTC+6.30 (MST) |
Geography
editBudalin is strategically located within the Sagaing Region, which has been recognized as a stronghold of resistance against military rule. Its geographical location makes it a frequent target for military operations.[2]
Recent events and killings
editOn October 17, 2024, reports emerged of intensified military actions in Budalin Township, leading to the deaths of at least 25 civilians over a 10-day period amid escalating atrocities.[3][4] Military operations have specifically targeted villages such as Myauk Kyi, Sipar, Thayaw Taw, Saing Byin Lay, and Kyauk Oh Myauk, resulting in significant destruction and displacement.[5]
In Sipar village, reports indicate that at least 300 homes were destroyed, and accounts describe extreme violence, including dismemberment and torture inflicted on innocent civilians, who were not rebels or members of ethnic armed groups.[6][7] Ko Moetauk, the person in charge of Sipar Village, was interviewed by Khit Thit Media regarding the brutal killing of six people by the Myanmar Army. He recounted the horrific acts, stating, "We also saw that the tongue was sticking out in the middle... After cutting off the person's body, they put it in their mouth. This is pretty mean. It's absolutely filthy." The Budalin People’s Defence Force (PDF) has condemned these acts as inhumane.[8]
Observers suggest that these military actions aim to intimidate the local population; however, they may inadvertently strengthen local resistance. Analysts argue that the lack of international response may encourage the military to escalate such operations across the Sagaing Region.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Senior General Than Shwe urges officials to collectively strive for turning Sagaing Division into granary of Upper Myanmar Assistance assured to upgrade Monywa-Budalin-Dabayin-YeU-KhinU Road". The New Light of Myanmar, December 3, 2002. Archived from the original on 2009-02-28. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ Nayt Thit (1 August 2023). "Myanmar Junta Escalates War Crimes as Resistance Gains Ground in July". The Irrawaddy.
- ^ "Rising Mass Killings in Myanmar: Over 460 Dead in 2024". Shia Waves. 26 October 2024.
- ^ "NUG decries atrocities by junta soldiers in Budalin Township, Sagaing Region". Mizzima News. 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Hell in a Sagaing Region village: Locals believe the junta forces' burning of a Budalin Township village and killing of eight of its residents was meant as retaliatory intimidation after their failure to defeat the armed resistance in the area". Myanmar NOW. 25 October 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar junta forces kill, mutilate villagers, insurgents say". Radio Free Asia. 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Mass killings on the rise in Myanmar for fourth straight year". Radio Free Asia. 25 October 2024.
- ^ "Mass killings and atrocities by junta in Budalin township, Sagaing Region". Mizzima News. 22 October 2024.
- ^ Hein Htoo Zan (22 October 2024). "As The World Looks Away, Myanmar's Junta Launches Another Wave of Revenge Atrocities". The Irrawaddy.