Junta releases university student, motorcycle taxi driver detained at Maungdaw checkpoint 

01 Jan 2023

DMG Newsroom
1 January 2023, Maungdaw

A university student and a motorcycle taxi driver who were detained on November 1 at the Kyeinchaung security checkpoint in Maungdaw, Arakan State, and charged under the Unlawful Associations Act were released on Sunday, according to family members.

Ma Aye Mya Sandar, 24, from Minbya Township’s Pyainetaung Village and motorcycle taxi driver Maung Maung Kyaw from Aungthabyay Village in Maungdaw Township, were detained for two months.

“We were released by Kyeinchaung security checkpoint today,” said Ko Maung Maung Kyaw. “We were interrogated as to whether we have any links with the Arakan Army or [provide any] financial assistance to the ethnic armed group. We were beaten during interrogation.”

Ko Myo Nyein Chan, the younger brother of Ma Aye Mya Sandar, said he was happy that Ma Aye Mya Sandar was released and wants the release of other civilians who were arrested but are innocent.

“Yes, my sister has been released now, but she hasn’t returned home yet. She is still at my relative’s home in Mingalarnyunt Village,” he added.

Ma Aye Mya Sandar was visiting her relatives in northern Maungdaw Township’s Mingalarnyunt Village at the time of the encounter with security personnel. She had hired Maung Maung Kyaw to take her to Maungdaw town after visiting her family in Mingalarnyunt Village, and the pair were arrested at the Kyeinchaung security checkpoint.

They were charged under Sections (1) and (2) of the Unlawful Associations Act on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army (AA) and were held on remand for the first time on December 5.

Family members are also demanding the release of other residents in Arakan State who have been charged under the Unlawful Associations Act after being arrested on suspicion of being linked to the AA.

At least 46 people were arrested on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army and charged under the Unlawful Associations Act and/or incitement under Sections 505(a) and (b) of the Penal Code during some four months of heightened military tensions and conflict between the military and AA in Arakan State, according to a DMG tally.

The military and AA agreed to an informal ceasefire on November 26, following months of renewed hostilities that began in earnest in August.