Families worried for 14 villagers detained by Tatmadaw in Ann Twsp

By Nyan Hein 26 Oct 2020

Nyan Hein | DMG
26 October 2020, Sittwe

Fourteen villagers in Ann Township, Arakan State, were arrested by the Tatmadaw on October 20, and family members are concerned for the detainees’ safety as it has been about a week since they have seen their loved ones.

Twelve people from Myaukbet village and two residents of Anaukbet village, both in the Dar Let Chaung village-tract, were reportedly detained by Light Infantry Division No. 66 and their families say they have not yet received any information about them.

“They were caught on the way as they went fishing together. We had contact with a captain from the Tatmadaw and we have not been allowed to meet them in person yet. We are worried about their safety as they were arrested without any reason,” said Daw Wai Mar Yee, the wife of detainee U Ngwe Thein.

Daw Win Mar, the wife of another man who was arrested, U Htay Maung, said her husband was innocent and earned a living by fishing and farming.

DMG phoned Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun and Brig-Gen Ye Yint Aung of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team for comment on the detention of the villagers, but they could not be reached.

Dar Let Chaung village-tract has been a hotbed of fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army, with local people facing livelihood hardships due to travel restrictions imposed by the conflict.

Civilian casualties and arrests have continued to rise over the course of nearly two years of hostilities between government troops and the Arakan Army.

According to data compiled by DMG, from June to October 25, a total of 105 people were arrested on suspicion of having illegal ties to the Arakan Army while 117 people were injured and the civilian death toll had risen by 43.