Tatmadaw releases two detained Kyauktaw Twsp villagers

By Myo Thiri Kyaw 06 Jul 2020

Myo Thiri Kyaw | DMG
6 July, Kyauktaw

Two out of five men arrested by the Tatmadaw last month from Apaukwa village in conflict-plagued Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township were released on July 4, according to the detainees’ family members.

Ko Aung Naing Soe and Ko Oo Myint Zaw walked free on Saturday after a week in Tatmadaw custody.

“My son was hurt after being beaten with gun stocks. He cannot walk because security personnel kicked my son and beat his legs with an electric wire,” said U Thein Tun, the father of Ko Aung Naing Soe.

The Tatmadaw’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 539 arrested the five Apaukwa villagers on their way to attend a funeral in neighbouring Ponnagyun Township on June 27, according to their families.

Three other detainees identified as Ko Bo Kyaw Than, Maung Than Win Naing and Ko Tun Aye Maung are currently being held in police custody at the Kyauktaw Myoma police station.

The Tatmadaw True News Information Team said in a statement last week that U Bo Kyaw Than would be charged under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law, and Ko Tun Aye Maung would be charged under the Export Import Law for alleged possession of an unlicensed vehicle.

The Tatmadaw has alleged that photos showing landmine-making activities and U Bo Kyaw Than holding a remote detonator were found on his mobile phone, as well as other incriminating images.