Three NLD youths in Taungup detained as anti-coup protest arrests reach 19 statewide

By DMG 17 Feb 2021

DMG Newsroom
17 February 2021, Taungup 

Three National League for Democracy (NLD) youth members in Taungup Township were arrested by township police on Wednesday morning, the latest of at least 19 people in Arakan State detained for anti-coup protests since the military’s February 1 takeover. 

Ko Chit Maung Maung, U Khin Thet and Ko Zaw Win Aung — members of the NLD’s township youth committee in Natmaw village — were arrested on their way to join a demonstration against the Tatmadaw’s seizure of power, according to Daw Chit Chit Chaw, an NLD member in Taungup Township. 

“They are detained at the Taungup police station. A case has not yet been opened,” she said.  

Dozens of people were converging on the town of Taungup for a protest on Wednesday morning when the youths were detained en route. Last week, the local NLD chair U Tin Thein Aung and one of the party’s ex-MPs for Taungup Township in the state legislature, U Min Aung, were also arrested.  

In addition to the NLD faithful, civil servants in Taungup have joined the ranks of dissent. More than 2,000 people participated in a protest there on February 12, including several teachers and government workers from various departments. 

“We are fighting to end the military dictatorship,” said a female teacher who participated in the protest. “I was under the [previous] military dictatorship. I do not want our newer generations to stay under a military government.” 

Across Arakan State, 19 people have been taken into custody for participating in anti-coup protests this month: seven in Ann Township, six in Taungup Township, four in Thandwe Township and two in Manaung Township. 

The four protestors from Thandwe were arrested on February 16, and they had not been released as of Wednesday, said a Thandwe resident who asked for anonymity. 

“We compromised to have them released today if they do not participate in the protest. However, they are not released yet,” the resident said. “Their parents are worried for them. They don’t know the whereabouts of their children.” 

In Ann and Manaung townships, lawsuits have been opened against nine residents under Section 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law and Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law at the relevant police stations.