Episode: KPN 01-06-2026

Kaladan Podcast June 1, 2026

Episode: KPN 01-06-2026 Kaladan Podcast

Six members of Rohingya family reportedly killed while attempting to flee Sittwe

Six members of a Rohingya family were reportedly shot dead while attempting to flee the conflict-hit city of Sittwe, according to surviving relatives and local sources.

The victims were members of the family of Maung Hla Myint, the son of former police sergeant (clerk) Nu Maung, who previously served at Zedi Pyin Village Police Station in Rathedaung Township.

According to family members, Maung Hla Myint and seven relatives had been living in Sittwe since 2023 to seek medical treatment for their children. Despite receiving treatment at hospitals in Yangon and Sittwe, their children’s health conditions reportedly failed to improve.

As armed clashes intensified in and around Sittwe, residents were urged to evacuate. However, the family was reportedly unable to leave earlier due to security restrictions and ongoing military operations.

Relatives said that at approximately 10 p.m. on May 23, 2026, the family attempted to escape by boat while carrying their sick daughter. During the journey, a flash of lightning reportedly exposed their location, after which armed personnel allegedly opened fire on the group.

When people returned to the scene the following day, they reportedly discovered that the family’s youngest child, a four-year-old boy, was still alive.

A source close to the family alleged that members of a Muslim militia and military personnel later arrived at the scene and found the child clinging to his father’s body.

“The militia members pleaded for the child to be spared, but the military personnel allegedly shot him while he was still holding his father’s body, claiming he could become a future threat,” the source said.

The source added that the family had been facing severe financial hardship due to medical expenses and the worsening conflict.

“They had several sick family members and no stable income. As the war situation deteriorated, they believed fleeing was their only chance of survival. No one imagined the entire family would suffer such a tragedy,” the source said.

According to local sources, the bodies of the six victims were reportedly buried in a mass grave. Family members also alleged that more than 40 million kyats in cash, gold jewelry, and other valuables disappeared following the incident.

The family’s disabled daughter and the boat operators were reportedly rescued.

Sources further alleged that brokers who arranged the family’s escape collected approximately 1.7 million kyats in transportation fees and payments purportedly intended to facilitate passage through military checkpoints.

After the incident, the brokers allegedly demanded an additional 700,000 kyats from relatives to bring back the disabled daughter.

Family members claim the brokers had assured them that arrangements had been made for safe passage through checkpoints but failed to deliver on those promises, contributing to the tragedy.

“The brokers took money claiming they could ensure safe passage through the checkpoints. We left with hope of survival, but now the entire family has lost everything. We want the truth about this incident to be revealed,” a surviving relative said.

Residents and sources familiar with the situation in Sittwe have also alleged that civilians attempting to flee the city face significant risks, including gunfire from armed groups and military personnel.

As fighting continues in Rakhine State, concerns are mounting over the safety and protection of civilians seeking to escape conflict-affected areas.