Arakanese youths denounce civilians’ death

03 Jul 2019

Su Mon | DMG

3 July, Sittwe

Arakanese youths presented a live performance in Sittwe’s U Ottama park on Tuesday as a way to denounce civilians’ deaths during the Tatmadaw’s interrogation.

Ko Than Hla, a member of the theatrical group said that their performance intended to let authorities and the international community know about wrongful detentions of civilians in Arakan State.

The group also decried the death of Ko Zaw Win Hlaing from Mrauk-U Township who died at Sittwe hospital on 1 June after being detained, he said.

“It was a terrible case. Villagers were arrested and tortured. Ko Zaw Win Hlaing died from injuries he received while soldiers beat him senseless during his interrogation. Such situations should just not happen, so we denounce that incident,” he said.

“If they (Tatmadaw) suspect a person, they can call that person and ask them questions in a civilized way and not revert to physical or mental bullying. If villagers are not found guilty, they should be promptly released. We can’t accept situations where people are being beaten to death during questioning. We totally object such actions.”

The group demanded justice for families of civilians who died during Tatmadaw’s interrogations. They also requested an end to wrongful detention and torture, targeting civilians and fomenting hostilities in the region. to build peace.

Ko Than Hla said that they urged both parties to seek a solution through dialogue and mediation instead settling disputes with bullets, bombs and brute force.

“It is important to resolve disputes peacefully by talking. If we want to have a peaceful community, it needs to be peaceful and stable in the region. By negotiating peacefully, people will not be affected by the negative impact of physical confrontations.

At least 14 civilians were killed while they were detained by the Tatmadaw in Arakan State.