Family unable to contact detained ANP youth leader

By Admin 06 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 June 2024, Sittwe

Family members are worried about the safety of Ko Khin Win Maung aka Ko Gambarri, a youth leader of the Arakan National Party (ANP), as they have not been in contact with him since his arrest late last month.

Ko Gambarri, 34, was taken by regime soldiers from a home in Yangon’s Hlaingthayar Township on May 31.

“We have not been in contact with him. We don’t know why he was arrested. He was handcuffed, beaten and taken away by junta soldiers. We are worried about his well-being,” said a source close to the family of the detainee.

Junta soldiers reportedly detained Ko Gambarri for questioning, and it is not known where he is currently being held.

Some friends of Ko Gambarri have gone into hiding as there are reports that they are being sought by junta soldiers.

“There are reports that some friends close to Ko Gambarri will be arrested. We have gone into hiding since his arrest. Nothing is clear as to why this is being done,” said a friend of Ko Gambarri.

When DMG contacted an ANP official regarding the arrest of Ko Gambarri, he said the party did not have additional information.

Local people in Arakan State have been fleeing to areas held by the Arakkha Army (AA) and Yangon due to the latest fighting and fears of escalating hostilities in Myanmar’s westernmost state. Ko Gambarri had reportedly travelled to Yangon for safety reasons since renewed conflict in Arakan State began in November.

Ko Gambarri is a former leader of the ANP’s youth wing and is widely known as a social activist.