A proposal submitted to release detained people by AA

By Khaing Roe La 13 Nov 2019

Khaing Roe La | DMG
November 13, Naypyidaw

A proposal was submitted to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on November 13 by Dr Hla Moe, a member of Pyithu Hluttaw from Aung Myay Thar Zan constituency in Mandalay division, to release government officials and civilians, including Chin State MP U Hwei Tin detained by the Arakan Army (AA).

Chin State Amyothar Hluttaw MP U Hwei Tin was detained by the AA on November 3 along with nine Indian citizens. Despite the Indian citizens’ subsequent release, the AA has continued to detain U Hwei Tin for more questioning.

“Like U Hwei Tin, many civilians and government officials have been arrested violently during their trips while using public roads. They [the AA] said that they are questioning the detained person. That is not a good excuse and doesn’t make sense as well,” Dr Hla Moe said.

He also said in the proposal that AA’s actions were directly opposed to the government’s peace negotiations, and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw strongly denounced the group’s actions and demanded the immediate release of U Hwei Tin, government officials and civilians.

The AA issued a statement on November 10, and it said that they detained U Hwei Tin for numerous reasons, such as taking part in anti- AA activities and trying to disrupt AA’s military plans.

Khaing Thukha, the AA’s spokesperson, said that they’re not detaining U Hwei Tin because he is a parliamentarian and are just questioning out of necessity.

“The proposal was urgently submitted at the Parliament because U Hwei Tin is a MP. So how about Dr Aye Maung? Nobody knew when he was arrested? This makes us question whether Dr Aye Maung was treated differently because he is an Arakanese [Rakhine],” he said.

U Maung Maung Latt, a member of Amyothar Hltttaw from Sagaing division No 9 constituency, said that he supported the proposal submitted by Dr Hla Moe because nothing good will result from the MP’s detention.

The proposal was approved unanimously by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and will be discussed on November 18. 

“We will have to continue our job although whether they [the Hluttaw] denounce the AA’s action is up to them. We are fighting because we don’t recognize them. Their condemnation cannot damage anything about us,” Khaing Thukha said.

The National League for Democracy (central) has urged the AA to release U Hwei Tin, and more than 40 Chin organizations also issued a join.