Families unable to contact several Arakanese arrested for alleged AA links

By DMG 28 Oct 2022

DMG Newsroom
28 October 2022, Haigyi Island, Ayeyarwady Region

Family members say they have not been in contact with 13 Arakanese from Haigyi Island in Ayeyarwady Region for more than a month, after they were arrested on suspicion of having links to the Arakan Army (AA).

The Myanmar military arrested the 13 people — 10 men and three women — from Ngarpyayma and Zeechaing villages on Haigyi Island from September 13 to 24.

Family members are worried about the well-being of the detainees as they haven’t been seen or heard from since their arrest.

“I am concerned for my son’s safety as I have yet to contact him,” said the father of a detained man from Zeechaing Village.

U Hla Tin, U Tun Kyi and U Kalar Shay from Ngarpyayma Village were abducted from their home by military personnel on September 24, according to family members.

“They were arrested without any reason [cited] and their whereabouts are still unknown,” said a family member of U Hla Tin.

Thirteen detained Arakanese people have been charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act, and Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law at the Haigyi Myoma police station, said a source close to the police station.

“They were sued with various charges on suspicion of having ties to the anti-regime forces and Arakan Army. They are currently detained at the police station,” the source added.

DMG continues to attempt to confirm the arrest of the Haigyi Island residents and charges against them.

The military often conducts overnight guest checks in the island villages of Maungpar, Myothit, Mayankwin, Kyonetan, Mawtin and Zeechaing, according to locals.

The junta has been making the arrests in Kanyinchaung, Annawah, Zeephyugaung and Haigyi villages since April 19, with at least 40 people detained since then, locals said.