The Myanmar’s military council has increased arbitrary arrests of civilians in Mindat Towship, Chin State, arresting about 60 civilians in month. Although 50 of them have been released, 10 remain in detention, according to local residents.
Last September, the junta arrested 60 civilians in six locations in the township. Ten of them from the downtown wards of Bawa Thit, Ashae Pyin Yat and Anauk Pyin Yat have not yet been released, the Chinland Defense Force–Mindat stated 1 October.
As water and electricity have been cut off in Mindat and intimidation of civilians by the military council has increased, most residents have fled the town for safer areas, leaving the city even more deserted than before, according to a Mindat resident.
“More and more people are fleeing the town because of the lack of water and electricity and insecurity from threats. Midat is likely to be even more desolate than before. The military council should treat civilians as civilians and not as enemies. If they continue like this, it will be very difficult for people to continue living in the town. When there are no more residents, I think only the two armed forces will fight each other in the town,” said the Mindat resident.
Like the displaced people in other areas, some residents of Mindat are also living in the jungle. Some continue to live in the town, while others have reportedly found refuge in monasteries and churches.
In September, clashes between the Myanmar army and CDF -Mindat occurred in four locations within the town, killing four junta soldiers and injuring nine others. One CDF fighter was also killed and another injured in the clashes.
On 29 September, two locals were wounded when the regime’s army fired artillery indiscriminately at the rural administrative area (2) in the township.
Sent by KMG.