Civilian arrests continue in junta-held Arakan State townships

By Admin 06 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 May 2024, Sittwe

Seven civilians in junta-held townships of Arakan State such as Sittwe, Ann, Taungup and Thandwe were arrested by the regime in the week from April 30 to May 6, according to local people.

Among the arrestees are one each from Ann and Sittwe, three from Taungup and two from Thandwe Township.

U Maung Than Tin and U Tin Win, both in their 30s and from Myapyin Village in Thandwe Township, were taken from their homes on May 5.

“About 40 junta soldiers in four military trucks arrived in the village and abducted the two men from their homes. The reason for the arrest remains unknown,” said a local resident.

The regime has tightened security checks on locals and conducted overnight guest checks since the fighting in Thandwe Township.

Daw Aye Aye Khaing, 30, was detained at Pelpadon security checkpoint after she withdrew her salary at the township education officer’s office in Ann on May 1.

“She [Daw Aye Aye Khaing] lives in a village in Ann Township. She was arrested at a security checkpoint after she withdrew her salary. She was reportedly taken to the military intelligence office. Family members are worried about her safety as they are not allowed to see her,” said a local in Ann.

Ko Maung Myat Ko, Ko Maung Htwe and Ko Yan Aung Soe, all in their 20s and who work at a prawn brokerage centre in Chaungkauk Ward, Taungup, were arrested by the regime on the night of April 30.

“Around 10 policemen took the trio for questioning. I don’t know where they were taken because we are unable to contact them,” said a source close to the arrestees.

The three young men have reportedly been working at the prawn brokerage centre for three years.

Family members are worried because many of those arrested by the regime have not been released yet and their whereabouts remain unknown.