Families unable to meet seven detained men from Taungup and Kyaukphyu

By DMG 16 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
16 September 2022, Taungup 

Family members of seven detained men in Arakan State’s Taungup and Kyaukphyu townships say they are worried about the safety of the detainees as they have not been in contact with them since their arrests in recent weeks. 

Daw Moe Moe Wah, the wife of Dr. Kyaw Thura, who was arrested on September 6, said she saw her husband being taken to the Myanmar military’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 544 in Taungup and had yet to contact him. 

“He was arrested a week ago and I am worried about his safety because I don’t know exactly his whereabouts. I want the military to reveal publicly why he was arrested and where he is detained,” she added. 

At least seven people in Kyaukphyu town were taken from their homes by junta soldiers from September 7 to 12, according to family members. 

“We have not been in contact with them and we don’t know their whereabouts. We are worried that they will be beaten and tortured under interrogation,” said a family member of one of the detainees. 

Family members are not allowed to meet Salai Ko Aye aka Kahi, 43, from Asoeya Ward, who is reportedly being held at Kyaukphyu Police Station, said a source close to the family of the detainee. 

The Arakan Army and military junta have traded arrests in recent days following a resumption of hostilities at levels not seen since 2020. 

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army has been ongoing in Arakan State and neighbouring Paletwa Township, Chin State. Multiple civilians in the state have been arrested by the military on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army and face charges under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, an incitement provision.