Interview: 'I didn't think I would survive'

By Admin 27 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom

During fighting in Arakan State's Buthidaung Township between the Myanmar military and Arakkha Army (AA), the regime arrested 35 Muslim men, women, and children from Karu Chaung (Muslim) Village, detaining them at Light Infantry Battalion No. 353.

After the AA seized Light Infantry Battalion No. 353 on May 14, it rescued the 35 detainees, who had been deprived of food and water for three days. Saw Lein Mohla, one of the detainees, told DMG about the ordeal.

DMG: How did you get arrested?

Saw Lein Mohla: We were arrested by junta soldiers near our village mosque. We were then taken to Light Infantry Battalion 353. Inside a building at the battalion, they tore off our clothes, tied our hands behind our backs and told us to lay on our stomachs. Then they kicked our heads and beat us. They did not give us food or water.

Altogether 35 were detained. Two of them, including myself, had been injured by artillery shrapnel. The soldiers did not give them any medical treatment. We spent three days in detention.

DMG: We heard women were also detained. Were they tortured as well?

Saw Lein Mohla: Women were also tortured like the men were. Soldiers kept an eye on them when they went out to relieve themselves.

DMG: Did you have concerns for your safety while in detention?

Saw Lein Mohla: I didn't think I would survive. They tore off our clothes and took our money. They also robbed women of their belongings. I didn't think I would be freed.

DMG: How did you escape?

Saw Lein Mohla: The AA rescued us after it seized the battalion where we were being detained. The AA gave us food and clothes and then asked us questions. We spent two more days there before we were sent back to our families.

DMG: Please tell us about the situation in your village before the arrest.

Saw Lein Mohla: Junta soldiers came to our villages and said around 40 men must enlist to join the army. They threatened to kill us and torch the village if we didn't. So, young and middle-aged people went to the mountain and hid for four days. Only elderly people were left in the village.

Then, junta soldiers came and searched houses. They asked elderly people where their children were. They beat elderly men and took chickens and other things from houses.

DMG: What incentives did the regime offer to persuade Muslims to enlist?

Saw Lein Mohla: The regime said we would get citizenship identity cards and we would be free to go anywhere we like.

DMG: What do you want to say about the junta's conduct?

Saw Lein Mohla: If the junta soldiers who arrested us were to fall into our hands now, we would eat them.

DMG: What else do you want to say?

Saw Lein Mohla: We are particularly grateful to the AA for saving us. We are grateful that they gave us medical treatment and food.