November 7, 2022
Military council soldiers arbitrarily arrested four residents of Settaw village in Banmauk Township, Katha District, Sagaing Region, on November 6 and forced [their family members] to pay MMK 20 million for their release, residents said.
After receiving the junta soldiers’ threatening demand, they paid MMK 20 million, but those arrested were not released, and the junta soldiers also arrested another resident, a local resistance member told Kachin News Group (KNG).
“They demanded 20 million MMK for the release of the arrested. So, their family members collected 20 million MMK and paid them. But they have not been released until today. Not only that, the person who wanted to meet with them was arrested,” he said.
On November 6, a junta column of about 60 troops advanced toward Settaw village, arresting anyone they saw along the way.
At present, it is not known where the five residents are being held, family members said.
It was also reported that phone and internet connections are currently down in some locations in Banmauk Township.
Clashes between military council troops and members of the PDF had been occurring in the township since October 20, and tensions between the two sides remain high.
Sent b KNG.