Statement on the Killing of 10 Members of People’s Defence Organization in Tamu District in the Indo-Myanmar Border

1. It has come to our attention that ten members of the People’s Defence Organization (PDO), temporarily stationed in Kama Gyi Village, Tamu District, Sagaing Region, near the Indo-Myanmar border, went missing from their base on 14 May 2025. Subsequently, on 16 May 2025, the Assam Rifles (Battalion-1, based in Chandel District, Manipur State) coordinated the handover of ten deceased individuals.
2. The National Unity Government’s Task Force for India, specifically established to address matters related to India, was immediately assigned the following responsibilities: (a) To verify the identities of the missing PDO members and confirm their status, while securing the return of the individuals and their remains within 24 hours of the initial report; (b) To release an initial investigative report within seven days; and (c) To undertake any further necessary actions. Based on preliminary findings, the Task Force has initiated engagement with relevant counterparts on the Indian side, and coordination efforts are ongoing to uncover the full truth behind this tragic incident.
3. From on-ground investigations, internal reports, and discussions, the National Unity Government observed that the circumstances of the incident differ significantly from narratives circulated in some Indian media outlets. Available evidence indicates that the ten PDO members based in Tamu District were not killed in an armed encounter within Indian territory. Rather, they were reportedly captured, tortured and summarily executed by personnel from Assam Rifles Battalion-1, despite prior notification having been issued regarding their temporary presence in the area. Furthermore, during the body retrieval process, Myanmar officials were presented with a handover document containing contentious terms, including: (a) a statement alleging that the PDF members had crossed into Indian territory and initiated hostilities; and (b) an implied consent to ongoing border fencing activities. The return of the bodies was carried out only after the signing of this document.
4. In light of the findings of this investigation, the National Unity Government calls upon the Government of India to take the following actions:
5. a)     Publicly clarify the full facts surrounding the incident;
6. b)    Ensure accountability by conducting a transparent and thorough investigation, and by taking appropriate action against those responsible, especially in view of the fact that the deceased were not insurgents operating against the Government of India;
7. c)     Provide fair and adequate compensation to the families of the victims;
8. d)    Implement measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents; and
9. e)     Temporarily suspend unilateral border fencing activities in areas with unresolved border demarcation
10. The National Unity Government believes that this tragic event does not reflect the official policy or intent of the Government of India. We reaffirm our commitment to continued cooperation on border-related matters, consistent with the longstanding, neighbourly relations between our two nations. We sincerely urge the Government of India to address this issue with the seriousness it warrants and to take the necessary steps toward justice and accountability. Without the full truth, it will be difficult to resolve rising concerns or prevent future complications.
11.   In recognition of the ongoing cooperation between the National Unity Government and the relevant authorities of the Government of India regarding this matter, we respectfully urge all Myanmar citizens, both within Myanmar and in India, to refrain from any actions that could negatively affect bilateral relations. In particular, we strongly encourage revolutionary groups operating along the border to avoid any activities that may be perceived as unlawful. We further call for continued cooperation with relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, including efforts to prevent the illegal trade and transportation of narcotics along the Indo-Myanmar border.
12. Through this statement, the National Unity Government informs the public of the steps taken in response to the killing of the PDO members and formally appeals to the Government of India for appropriate attention and cooperation in addressing this grave matter.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

National Unity Government

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