Military releases seven of 15 detained Sanae residents

25 Jul 2022

DMG Newsroom
25 July 2022, Kyaukphyu 

Seven out of 15 residents of Kyaukphyu Township’s Sanae town who were arrested after men in plainclothes abducted a police officer at a local market on July 24 were released on Monday, while the eight others were reportedly sent to Kyaukphyu town. 

Ma Khin Nilar Lwin, Ma Khin Thuzar Lwin, Ma Aye Myat Mon and Ma Moe Moe Thwe from Kanpyin ward; Ko Aung Naing Win from Sanae town; and Ko Tin Myo Tun, Ko Sithu Tun and Ko Khin Maung Soe from Sabeichaung village were transferred to Kyaukphyu. 

Sisters Ma Khin Nilar Lwin and Ma Khin Thuzar Lwin were arrested on the way to a relative’s home in downtown Sanae, said Daw Saw Nu, an aunt of the detainees. 

“They were detained on the way to their cousin’s sister’s home in downtown Sanae. I don’t know why they were arrested and sent to Kyaukphyu. I am currently in Kyaukphyu to investigate their whereabouts,” she explained. 

Ma Aye Myat Mon and Ma Moe Moe Thwe, meanwhile, were taken from their home for questioning. Family members said they were particularly concerned about the arrest of the innocent women, whom their relatives maintain are innocent. 

“The two sisters were reportedly abducted from their home by eight armed junta soldiers while watching television after they had dinner,” said Daw Khin Than Kyi, the mother of the detainees. “The ward administrator didn’t accompany the junta soldiers when the two sisters were arrested. They have now been transferred to Kyaukphyu. I am investigating their whereabouts.” 

Regime forces arrived in Sanae town and detained the 15 residents after a police officer was abducted by members of the Arakan Army (AA) on Sunday. 

Tensions between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakan Army have been rising in Arakan State in recent weeks. The Arakan Army detained some junta soldiers and police personnel last month and in response, the Myanmar military arrested dozens of civilians on suspicion of having ties to the ethnic armed group.