Family unable to meet Ann Twsp man detained for allegedly transporting Muslims

By DMG 08 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
8 September 2022, Ann 

Family members have not been allowed to see a man from Htan Chaung village in Arakan State’s Ann Township, who was arrested by the Myanmar military a month ago. 

The accused has been identified as U Tin Ohn aka U Oak Aw, 55. Around 40 junta soldiers and police abducted him on August 9, alleging that he had illegally transported Muslims. 

“We are worried about his safety because we don’t know his whereabouts,” said Daw Khin Mar Cho, the wife of the detainee. “He has been arrested since one month ago. We are facing livelihood hardships because we cannot engage in farming without him.” 

A major involved in the arrest said family members of the detainee would be notified of the arrest “after he is questioned,” said U Than Hlaing, a 100-household administrator from Htan Chaung. 

“A major who was involved in the arrest said they will contact family members of the detainee after he is questioned. But the military has not yet informed the family about the detainee. Family members asked for help from me to inquire about the whereabouts of the detainee. Family members of the detainee are facing various difficulties,” he added. 

When he explained to a major involved in the arrest that U Tin Ohn did not transport Muslims from Nyaung Chaung to Htan Chaung villages, military officials did not accept his guarantee, U Than Hlaing said. 

DMG attempted to contact Major-General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the regime, seeking comment on the military’s detention of the Ann Township villager, but he could not be reached.