NAYPYITAW, 31 August 2021, (TON): Locals told media that the entire population of a village in Chin State has fled after junta soldiers ransacked homes, killed animals, and destroyed valuables during two separate raids in July and August.

About 90 soldiers entered Taal, which is about 12 miles from the town of Falam, on July 20. They stole or destroyed valuables in 21 of the village’s 36 houses and tossed people’s belongings, including religious books, out of windows and onto floors.

Taal’s population of around 160 people fled and hid in the surrounding forests and hills and returned later when the troops had left.

They were among around 800 in Falam Township who fled from four villages that day after fighting broke out between junta soldiers and the Chin National Defence Force.

In a second raid on August 9, about 150 junta troops entered Taal and ransacked the remaining houses. A priest from Taal said that soldiers beat two villagers, destroyed more property, and killed pets and livestock during the second raid.