By Hafizur Rahman
August 3, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA) killed nearly 600 civilians in Htan Shauk Kan (locally known as Honya Seeri) village, Buthidaung Township, on May 2, 2024, according to eyewitnesses and survivors.
The victims included women, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. Survivors said the killings were carried out without warning or reason.
Eyewitnesses also reported that some bodies were burned with gasoline in an attempt to hide the crime. However, the incident did not remain hidden.
Over a year later, graphic photos emerged from the site, showing human remains left in the open, partly submerged in water and covered by wild plants.
“There is no escape from justice,” said a local community leader who asked not to be named for safety reasons. “The dead cry out for accountability. Those responsible must be held to account.”
Nay San Lwin told
“Regarding the massacre that took place in Htan Shauk Kan, I’ve spoken with some of the survivors since the incident occurred. Although at least 600 people were killed, the actual number is likely higher. Since almost the entire village was wiped out, only a few survivors remain. It was a situation where entire families were killed.
The photos that have surfaced now were actually taken back in March. We only received them recently, after contact was made with the survivors who had just reached Bangladesh.”
