January 31st, 2022
The police are distributing leaflets in Kyauktaw Township in Arakan State, warning locals not to participate in the silent strike and clapping strike, at around 2 pm on January 28th, according to locals.
In the leaflets, the National Unity Government (NUG), the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) are committing violent acts. Action will be taken against those who participate in the anti-coup protest under Section 52 (a) of the Counter Terrorism Law, Section 124 (a) of the Penal Code and Section 505 of the Penal Code.
The military council is distributing such warning letters although there are no widespread anti-coup protests and Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in Arakan State.
Ko Zaw Win, a local from Kyauktaw said: “It can be said that the Arakan State is under the administration of the Arakan Army (AA). There is no reason to have a link with the organizations like the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the NUG and the PDF. As the Arakan State sees peace and stability, leaflets which may cause public panic should not be distributed.”
The anti-regime groups have urged the public to join the silent strike and clapping strike against the military coup, which is scheduled to take place on February 1st, the one-year anniversary of the coup.
The authorities have filed a case against eight locals from Thandwe, Taungup and MraukU Townships in Arakan State for alleged link or funding the PDFs although there is no PDF in Arakan State.
Sent by Aung Htein