Two farmers abducted by Tatmadaw, now released

02 Sep 2019

Khaing Roe La | DMG
2 September, Mrauk-U
 
Two farmers from Ywar Haung Taw village in Mrauk-U Township who were taken by a Tatmadaw troop on the morning of 31 August were released yesterday evening.
 
Following an explosion at the bottom of Mt. Ma Kyar near Ywar Haung Taw village on Saturday, U Tun Kyaw Thein, 46, and U San Aung Thein, 45, were taken by a military column while they were on the way to their home after transplanting paddy, their family members said.
 
They were taken by No. 33 and 55 Brigades and released when their families followed the military column, their family members said.

“They ordered us to climb a mountain with them. On the mountain, I was beaten three times because I said I did not know who detonated a landmine. They beat me with their rifle butts on my neck, chest and thigh. My brother-in-law was beaten five times. I really don’t know who did it,” U Tun Kyaw Thein said.
 
He demanded the Tatmadaw not to abduct villagers because it’s a nuisance and it impedes their business.
 
Colonel Win Zaw Oo, head of the Western Command, denied that the Tatmadaw troops took two farmers.
 
The Tatmadaw often arrests and detains local residents from conflict affected areas in northern Arakan State on suspicion of involvement with the AA, released some villagers.