How did the 1st Chin Rifles forcibly raid Galon U Saw’s residence?
The incident on July 19, 1947—in which the 1st Chin Rifles, led by Major Hla Tun, forcibly raided Galon U Saw’s residence on Inya Road, decisively subdued the situation, and arrested him—unfolded in the vivid manner described below.
The Tight Encirclement of the Residence:
Shortly after the major assassination at the Secretariat, and upon receiving a lead from the government and the police, troops from the No. 1 Chin Rifles Battalion—led by Major Han Htun—rushed to U Saw’s residence on Inya Road. Sealing off exits: Chin soldiers strategically sealed off every single exit surrounding the high-walled mansion—including the main entrances and the rear exit leading to Inya Lake—leaving no escape route open.
Fierce Counter-attack by U Saw’s Side
When the Chin battalion issued a warning to surrender, U Saw and his associates did not readily comply; instead, they mounted a fierce counter-attack, firing back from inside the house.
Firing with Sten Guns: From behind windows and cover on the mansion's second floor, U Saw’s followers opened continuous fire on the Chin soldiers using weapons such as Sten guns. Disposal of Evidence: Even amidst the ongoing gunfire, U Saw and his group attempted to hastily dispose of the guns used in the assassination and certain boxes by throwing them into the waters of Inya Lake, located behind the residence.
Panic Ensues Amidst the Chin Force's Forced Entry
Despite fierce counter-attacks from U Saw’s side, the Chin riflemen led by Major Han Htun did not retreat in the slightest.
Forced Entry via Suppressive Fire: Taking cover behind the mansion's brick walls, trees, and other obstacles, the Chin soldiers returned fire with intense, effective firepower to exert pressure on the opposition. Then, they boldly forced their way through the gates and stormed into the mansion compound.
Captured in Terror: Faced with the systematic control, daring raid, and intense suppressive fire of the Chin forces, U Saw and his associates found themselves completely cut off from any escape route and gripped by sheer terror. Realizing that continuing the fight meant certain death, they laid down their weapons and surrendered unconditionally around 4:00 PM.
Search and Seizure: After Chin troops handcuffed and detained U Saw and his associates, they conducted a thorough search of the entire mansion and its surrounding area; they successfully recovered—as irrefutable evidence—Sten guns and ammunition found inside the mansion, as well as cases of firearms that had been submerged in Inya Lake in an attempt to conceal them.
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