Dozens arrested for alleged AA ties in conflict-scant Kyaukphyu, Thandwe districts

By Aung Htein 17 Aug 2020

Aung Htein | DMG
17 August, Sittwe  

The number of people detained for alleged links to the Arakan Army has risen to about 50 in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu and Thandwe districts, according to a list compiled by DMG, despite there being relatively few hostilities between military personnel and the ethnic armed group in the area. 

Seventeen detainees were reported across six villages in Kyaukphyu Township, including several people arrested in Kat Thabyay village alone, and three women from Yay Nan Dwein village who face terrorism charges.  

In Taungup Township, four men including the vice chair of the township’s Arakan National Party chapter, and five men from Sar Pyin village including the village’s ANP leader, were among a total of 11 people arrested township-wide.  

Similarly, six residents from Alae Chaung village in Ramree Township and 14 people from Alae Kyun village in Ann Township were taken into military custody for questioning. 

“Family members want the detainees to be afforded due process under the law,” said U Than Naing, the elder brother of Kyaukphyu Township’s Ko Maung Aye Naing, who is currently being held in military custody. 

Arrestees have primarily faced charges under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law and Unlawful Associations Act. Some have died in military custody while others have gone missing with little or no information known about their disappearances. 

The military should open cases against suspects only if they are able to provide solid evidence supporting charges against them, said U Kyaw Lwin, an Arakan State MP for Kyaukphyu Township. 

“I wouldn’t put blame on the military if they have firm evidence to arrest the suspects. But at the moment, many people are detained on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army without evidence,” the lawmaker said.  

The five Sar Pyin villagers were released by the Taungup Township Court on August 12, reportedly due to a lack of evidence against them. 

Clashes between the military and Arakan Army in western Myanmar have flared with regularity since late 2018, and the number of people detained in connection with the conflict continues to rise.