Narinjara News, 19 June2022

Dozens of civilians were reportedly detained by the military personnel after the Arakan Army (AA) arrested one junta soldieron 16 June in  Ponna Kyun, afew miles north of Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State.

Till Saturday morning,more than 30 local people were picked up near Aye Zedi pagodaand the sports school, said an eyewitness.

Most of the detainees were shop owners, ferry motorcyclists and onlookers in a tea shop.

"All men were arrested in the morning hours. The army personnel came to the town and surrounded Myomamarket. The women were asked to leave theplace and then took away the men,” added the eyewitness.

Another resident informed that the army personnel started detaining civilians soon after the incident ofarresting the junta soldier with apistol.

"The first attempt was  made on 16 June  itself while no lessthan 12 civilians were detained.

The arrest continued yesterday as well. There were over 30 have been picked up. Most of them are yet to be released. The total of detaineesshould cross  40 till date,”he added.

The administration imposed a section 144 curfew in Ponna Kyun  from 6 pm and the soldiers started checkingevery house during the night hours,said the locals.

Colonel Kyaw Thura, the Rakhine State border and security affairs minister was contacted by NarinjaraNews through the telephone, but he didnot respond to the call.