SHAN STATE – A junta council soldier threatened and attempted to rape a woman who was taking shelter in the jungles in Hsihseng Township after fleeing the war, according to a person close to the victim.
Nyi Nyi Naing, a junta soldier under light infantry 423 arrived near a tent of the displaced people on April 14 and forcibly dragged the displaced woman into the tent after threatening her with his gun.
“It happened on April 14 but the victim only reported it after reaching safety. She had to avoid and flee the junta columns in the meantime so it took quite some time for the news to reach the public. It could also be said that she was lucky. It is difficult to escape from the junta forces. You need both courage and luck,” said the person close to the victim.
Nyi Nyi Naing, the junta soldier who attempted the rape is known to be a drug addict. He reportedly went to chase away the other displaced people in the tent before attempting to rape the victim and the victim made her escape during that time.
“She (the victim) is currently at a safe place but she is living in fear, scared of being found (by junta forces) and worried about running into junta forces when fleeing from airstrikes and getting recognized by them. She is also going through the trauma of living through the memories of almost getting raped,” continued the person.
According to the data covering the nearly three months period from January 21 when battles broke out in Hsihseng till April 13 released by the Pa’O Youth Organisation (PYO), there are now over 70,000 displaced people and they are in need of assistance for food and shelter.