By Nmang Gam / Kachinland News | January 20, 2017

Events have been held to mark the second anniversary of the rape and murder of two Kachin teachers, Maran Lu Ra (20) and Tangbau Hkawn Nan Tsin (21) of the Kachin Baptist Convention across Kachin region and Kachin communities around the world.

Memorial prayer services were held at Kawng Hka Kachin Baptist Church and churches in Myitkyina, Bhamo and major Kachin cities.

Photo: Kachinland News

The two teachers were reportedly raped and murdered by Major Aung Phyo Myint, the commander of the 503rd Light Infantry Regiment (LIR), and his soldiers inside a church compound in Kawng Hka village in Muse Township on Jan 19, 2015.

Police officers from Lashio and state capital Taung Gyi, Kachin Affairs Minister, and local community leaders were tasked to investigate the case. One source close to the investigation team told KLN that the investigators conducted their duties amid fear of Burmese military reprisals.

Kachin Baptist Convention repeatedly demanded to question all the personnel including the 503rd LIR commander, soldiers and drivers involved in the case. In May 2016, KBC’s investigation team met with Major Aung Phyo Myint, Lieutenant Myint Twin and Private Zay Yar from 503rd LIR in Lashio police station but were not allowed to ask questions directly to Burmese military officers. The meeting ended with police officers assuring KBC leaders that they will escalate the requests from KBC to high-ranking Burmese military officials.

Two years after the horrific crime, no one was charged for the rape and murder, and the case is still under investigation by Burmese authorities.

This article originally appeared on Kachinland News on January 20, 2017.

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