A young man was shot dead by the Myanmar junta soldiers yesterday morning at the base of a mountain called Myint Mo Lat Khat in San Hlan Village, Launglon Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Division, a local said.

A local resident said the young man was killed by the troops because they claimed he had come to investigate their camp where the Military Council troops are stationed at the base of the mountain.

"The victim was not from this village. He was killed when he came out of the rubber plantation," a villager from San Hlan village told Mizzima.

A rumour is spreading that he was shot dead by the junta soldiers because a gun and knife were found in his bag, according to the villagers.

According to a local resident, the victim was not affiliated with the People Defense Forces (PDF), despite the accusations.