Four detainees forced labour of Tatmadaw

30 Jun 2019

Min Tun | DMG

30 June, Sittwe

Four villagers from Minbya and Mrauk-U Townships have been detained by a Tatmadaw troop, detainees said at the Sittwe district court on 28 June.

Ko Soe Win Naing, Ko Kyaw Aye Naing, Ko Maung Myint Naing and U Khin Maung were arrested by the Tatmadaw on 19 March. 

Ko Kyaw Aye Naing said that they were forced to change military uniforms and had to stay in the forest near war zones for five nights and six days.

“I was forced to wear an officer’s uniform. And we were held captive near areas where clashes occurred,” he said.

Colonel Win Zaw Oo from the Western Command responded to queries by say: “Please ask the detainees what the AA told them to say and ask them how much money they were given by the AA to say what the AA wanted them to say. If they answer that question, I will answer your question.”

“We never make trouble local people, and won’t do so in the future,” he said.

The four detainees have been charged under section 50 (a), 52 (a) and 54 of the Counter-Terrorism Law for act of terrorism. Captain Htein Lin Maung from No.380 Light Infantry Regiment in Minbya Township has charged them, according to the Sittwe District Lawyers’ Association that provide legal aid for them.

Daw Khin Hnin Wai, wife of Ko Soe Win Naing, said: “They are not members of the AA. So, I’d like them to be released. If they are members of the AA, the Tatmadaw can kill all of us,” she said.

The court will query people from complainant side on 12 July, according to the Sittwe District Lawyers’ Association.