September 23th, 2022
The number of the civilians being arrested by the military council on suspicion of having links with the Arakan Army (AA) has increased, following the renewed fighting between the military council and the AA in Arakan State and Paletwa of Chin State.
According to the list compiled by the Development Media Group (DMG), the number of civilians detained by the military council from June, 2022 to September 21, 2022, reached 140. The actual number of detained civilians on the ground may be higher than that.
Among the detainees are those who are related to the AA, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).
The Myanmar army detained 24 civilians in MraukU, 24 in Kyauktaw, two in Buthidaung, 14 in Maungdaw, eight in Ponnagyun, two in Minbya, 25 in Sittwe, 24 in Kyaukphyu, five in Taungup and 12 in Paletwa.
The military released some detainees. However, the civilians who remain in detention are: 10 in MraukU, four in Kyauktaw, two in Buthidaung, 12 in Kyaukphyu, five in Taungup, four in Maungdaw, eight in Ponnagyun, 13 in Sittwe, two in Minbya and two in Paletwa.
A family member of Ko Oo Ba Hlaing from Ponnagyun Township said: “The detainees should be released immediately if they are found not guilty. The families have livelihood difficulties.”
In late June, eight persons including Ko Oo Ba Hlaing, Ko Myo Thwin and Ko Myat Thura Tun from Ponnagyun Township were arrested and charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code.
Most of the remaining detainees are charged under Section 505 (a) and Section 4 (1), (f) and (g) of the laws.
Two villagers including the Kyeinchaung village administrator and the in-charge of Tharyarkone (Taungphyo) village in northern Maungdaw Township, who were detained in late July, are not allowed to meet the detainees, the family members said.
Daw Shwe Mya Khaing, wife of Kyeinchaung village administrator U Phone Ko Naing being detained by the military said: “We are not allowed to meet my husband. I don’t know what is happening there. Fighting is taking place in our village. I am worried about it.”
A human rights activist from Arakan State said: “The military council usually carries out targeted arrests of civilians whenever there are clashes with the Arakan Army (AA). The military council continues to do it although there are outcries on human rights.”
The AA arrested around 20 soldiers and police members following renewed fighting in Arakan State. Prisoners of war are not included in the above list.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)