Ramree villager back in military custody, accused of desertion and terrorism: family

By Hnin Nwe 19 Nov 2020

Hnin Nwe | DMG
19 November 2020, Sittwe 

The military has reportedly taken back into its custody a resident of Kalapon village in Ramree Township, after opening a case against him under the Counter-Terrorism Law for alleged links to the Arakan Army, his family members said. 

Ko Tun Min Soe’s family went to see him as they were told he was being held at the Kyaukphyu Myoma police station, but he was not at the station when they arrived. The Tatmadaw has reportedly taken him back, Ko Tun Min Soe’s father U Tun Hlaing Oo told DMG. 

“When we got to Kyaukphyu Myoma police station, we saw only our younger son. Our older son was not there. We were told that as he is a former Tatmadaw man, he was taken to Battalion 34. Then, we called the battalion and got a reply from a responsible person that a Kalapon villager was there,” said U Tun Hlaing Oo. 

After first transferring him to police custody, the Tatmadaw took Ko Tun Min Soe back, saying he is a deserter and would not be allowed to meet with family, according to his wife Ma Soe Hnin Wai, who added that she is worried about her husband. 

“I am very worried he might be killed after [the Tatmadaw] accused him of deserting the military at such a time when the fighting is tense,” said Ma Soe Hnin Wai. 

“We became more worried when the Tatmadaw security personnel shouted at us when we went to send some food. We are very afraid, wondering whether they have done something to him,” she said. 

Ko Tun Min Soe was formerly a member of a Tatmadaw unit based in Hlegu Township, Yangon Region, and had been back living in Kalapon village for two years, working and leading a simple life, family members said. 

Five residents of Kalapon including Ko Tun Min Soe were arrested by Tatmadaw troops earlier this month, accused of involvement in an attack on a military boat in the area. The four other villagers were transferred to Kyaukphyu Myoma police station and have reportedly been charged under Sections 50(a), 50(j) and 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.  

Similarly, two residents of Sanae town are said to be detained at Kyaukphyu Prison on suspicion of involvement in the military boat attack. They too have not been given the opportunity to meet with family members.  

Dozens of people have been arrested by the Tatmadaw this year on suspicion of having illegal ties to the Arakan Army, which the government has designated a terrorist group.