Military detains local businessman in Taungup Twsp’s Maei town

By DMG 15 Nov 2022

DMG Newsroom
15 November 2022, Maei

U Tun Kywl, a local businessman in Maei town, was abducted by the military at Mee Chaung Htoe security checkpoint in Taungup, Arakan State, at around 5 p.m. on November 14, according to sources close to the detainee.

The 56-year-old businessman is an owner of Shwe Zee Zan Co., and runs a local grocery and filling station. He was arrested at the military’s security checkpoint while returning to Maei from Taungup town, said a local resident who did not want to be named for security reasons.

“He [U Tun Kywl] was arrested at Mee Chaung Htoe security checkpoint and was taken to a military regiment in Taungup. I don’t know the reason for the arrest and am investigating the cause of the arrest,” the unnamed resident added.

When DMG contacted the wife of U Tun Kywl to confirm his arrest, she declined to comment.

“The news is true that U Tun Kywl was arrested by the military and family members are worried about his safety. U Tun Kywl is reportedly being held at the No. 5 Military Operations Command headquarters in Taungup,” a neighbour said.

DMG contacted regime spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun regarding the matter, but he could not be reached.

The military has summoned and warned Arakanese businessmen against associating with the Arakan Army, and has prohibited “tax” payments to the ethnic armed group. Fierce fighting between the military and Arakan Army is ongoing across much of Arakan State, where residents are on edge as a series of arrests and abductions have taken place over recent weeks, with both of the warring sides taking people into custody.

The military detained Ko Aung Myo Win, 32, and Ko Zaw Myo Tun, 35, from Kulabar Village in Kyaukphyu Township on November 12.