The military council has imposed a curfew in Homalin Township in Sagaing Region and arrested people who are out during curfew hours. Some of the arrested civilians are released for a ransom of three million kyats, according to Homalin residents.
The military council began further arrests of civilians after imposing the curfew from 8 pm to 6 am on 9 November, and most of them have still not been released, according to a Homalin resident.
“They just announced the curfew. Even before the announcement, they were arresting people who were out after 10pm or 11pm during their patrols. They arrested about 20-30 people every night. Most of them were not released. Some were released after paying three million kyats. They patrolled every night until last night. There were also arrests,” said the resident.
The military regime arrested people who went out on the streets after 10pm, even before the curfew of 8pm was officially announced, and detained about 50 people, about 30 of whom are reportedly still being held.
“They released most of the women, but they had to pay three million kyats. They won’t release anyone they suspect. Two employees of the electricity corporation were also arrested,” said another local woman.
Among around 30 people still detained are two male employees of the Electrical Power Corporation (EPC) who were arrested on their way back from a KTV lounge, Homalin residents said.
Residents reported that members of the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) carried out the night patrols and arrests after the regime imposed a curfew.
Since the military council only announced the curfew verbally in the wards, some residents of the town and outskirts knew about it, which led to more arrests, residents said.
According to reports, the detainees are currently being held at the Homalin police station, with family visits allowed.
Homalin Township has seen clashes between the combined forces of the SNA and Myanmar Army and the allied forces of the People’s Defense Forces – Homalin since 6 November. In view of the increasing military tension between the two sides, the military council has tightened control over the town and closed the bridges over Uyu Creek and Chindwin in and out of the town.
Sent by KNG.
