Young Rakhine reporter killed in motorcycle accident

Narinjara News, 8 February 2023

A young reporter working for the Sittwe-based Development Media Group was killed in a motorcycle accident in the Arakan capital city.

The victim, identified as Ko Naing Lin Aung (25), was associated with DMG news agency for nearly two years.

Naing Lin Aung suffered brain injuries due to the accident that took place in front of Sittwe Computer University at around 9 pm on Saturday. He was sent to Sittwe general hospital immediately.

Next day at around 2 pm, he was taken to Yangon by an emergency vehicle, but Naing Lin Aung succumbed to injuries on the way at around 5:20 pm.

On 6 February, the DMG News issued a statement condoling Naing Lin Aung’s untimely demise.
"Development Media Group news reporter Ko Naing Lin Aung, 25 years old, died in a motorcycle accident on 5 February 2023 at 5:20 pm. DMG is equally saddened along with the bereaved family and friends. Naing Lin Aung joined DMG News in December 2021 and carried out the news media activities dutifully," it stated.
It also added that Naing Lin Aung’s demise is a great loss for the organization (DMG News) and also the world of news.

“May his soul rest in peace. DMG must always record the work of Naing Lin Aung, who tried to help the people with his journalism,” said the agency.

Thar Shwe Oo, a veteran journalist while talking to Narinjara News, said that the loss of a young reporter is a loss for the Rakhine media at a time when it is not easy to be a journalist in the State.
“In this particular situation, there are a few people who would make a living out of journalism. We need more brave journalists who would tell the truth from the ground. So when we lose a young one, we actually lose an endless opportunity,” he added.
Naing Lin Aung was buried at Akyab Cemetery in Sittwe at 2 pm on 7 February.