Family concerned following Arakanese singer’s arrest in Yangon

By Admin 10 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
10 October 2024, Sittwe

Family members have expressed concern for the safety of singer Su Myat Htet, a native of Manaung Town in Arakan State, who has been held incommunicado since she was arrested at her house in Yangon on Monday.

The 40-year-old singer was arrested along with her 20-year-old niece.

The niece was released on Tuesday but Su Myat Htet’s whereabouts remain unknown, according to a source close to the family.

“Su Myat Htet runs a shop in Tamwe,” said the source, referring to Yangon Region’s Tamwe Township. “She was arrested from there. Family members still haven’t had contact with her.”

Junta troops searched her home during the arrest and also seized her passbooks. Su Myat Htet  runs a traditional Arakanese clothing shop in Tamwe. Family members have not been told why she was arrested.

Another Arakanese singer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the regime has been targeting well-known Arakanese singers since the latest fighting broke out between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) in November of last year, prompting some to go into hiding.

“Ma Su Myat Htet is apolitical,” said the fellow singer. “She is only helping flood victims in Arakan State by collecting donations. Many [Arakanese] singers have been forced to keep a low profile due to the junta’s arbitrary arrests.”