The total number of civilians arrested by the military council in Hpakant Township of Kachin State in April has exceeded 300, according to the data collected by the Kachin News Group (KNG).
The military council arrested U Min Aung from Hmaw Wham ward on 10 April, over 30 people from Hsaingphayar village on 18 April, nearly 200 from Hmawbone village on 21 April, over 100 from Hsankhar and Mazwatyan villages on 26 April and 29 from Malanyan village on 29 April.
A local man from Hpakant told the Kachin News Group (KNG): “The military council is making frequent arrests of civilians as it cannot arrest those who lead the revolution. The military council’s mass arrests aim to instill fear in the public that they cannot participate in the revolution.”
The military column used most of the detainees as human shields. The army released 29 detainees from Malanyan village, over 30 from Hsaingphayar village and 100 from Shankhar and Mazwatyan villages.
However, the military continues to detain around 60 of nearly 200 people from Maden Yang (Hmawbone) village.
The military council does not conduct offensives in the places in Hpakant, where the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDFs are active. But the military council makes raids on the villages and conducts military activities.
The military council soldiers are stationed only in monasteries, schools and religious buildings.
The National Unity Government (NUG) called on the military to avoid monasteries, schools and religious buildings for military operations.
On 2 May, the military arrested over 30 people from Dwanban and Malanyan villages as human shields. Yesterday morning, the military raided Malanyan village with excessive force and arrested some locals.
Sent by the KNG.