Civilians killed in military custody in Sittwe

By Admin 31 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
31 May 2024, Sittwe

At least six civilians were killed by Myanmar’s military regime in Byaing Phyu Village and Set Yoe Kya Ward in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, on Wednesday and Thursday.

Large numbers of junta troops came to Byaing Phyu Village on Wednesday and carried out checks door to door, detaining men, women, elderly persons and babies. They were gathered together at the village school and cemetery.

“The men were blindfolded and asked if they had ties to the Arakkha Army (AA). They were beaten. I heard men including those who had the word ‘Arakan’ tattooed on their bodies were killed,” said a Sittwe resident.

DMG has learnt that six men were shot dead after being taken into custody.

Female villagers were released on Friday after one day and one night detained, but the male villagers reportedly remain in custody. Many were taken to a local battalion for further investigation.

One victim said: “We have been released, but we can’t return to our home. They are sending us to Wingabar [football] pitch. We were told that we have to stay in the town.”

Many men were reportedly taken to the Sittwe-based Infantry Battalion No. 20 headquarters with their hands tied behind their backs, according to sources.

One family member said: “The men were taken in a vehicle and my elder brother was among them. I don’t know why he was taken.”

Junta soldiers reportedly robbed residents of their valuables and food in Set Yoe Kya Ward.

The regime also arrested some 40 villagers in Byaing Phyu Village on May 15. They remain in custody.

Most of the residents who remain in Set Yoe Kya Ward are low-income families who can’t afford to flee Sittwe, or those who have stayed behind to take care of and watch over their houses, said residents.

The regime arbitrarily arrested 425 civilians over the six months from November 13 to May 13, the United League of Arakan/AA (ULA/AA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

In 2019, seven villagers were killed and eight wounded in military custody when the Myanmar military detained and interrogated 275 residents of Kyauktan Village in Rathedaung Township.