Thinzar New, Narinjara News, 7 June 2024

At least six young men were arrested by the junta forces from Kyet Taw Pyinvillage under  Sittwe township of  Arakan state, on 4 June.

The arrested individuals  include Ko Tun NaingWin (24), Ko Moe Di (24), Ko Maung Pyar (30), Ko Kyaw Kyaw (23), Ko Tun Lin(25) and Ko Nyein Nyein Lin (21).

"The junta forces conducted an overnightguest-list inspection in various  villages without any prior notice.During the inspection, the soldiers questioned and arrested several villagers.All of those detained are within their Thirties," said a resident.

At around  9 pm, nearly 50 soldiers from thecolumn stationed at  Aung Taing village arrived at the location andarrested those six youths.

"The arrested youths have no affiliation with anypolitical party or armed group. But all Arakanese youths are now undersuspicion," added the resident.

The detained youths are kept at the 20th infantrybattalion and township police station. Some were released after offering bribes to thesoldiers.

"The families of detained youths at the 20thinfantry battalion are yet to get any contacts with them. But those detained atthe township police station are paying money to the security personnel and someof them have already been released. Many individuals were arrested for nothaving  Sittwe national registration cards. Some of them are beinginterrogated for finding links with the  Arakha Army," stated theresident.

On 15 and 16 May, the junta forces conducted overnightinspections of monasteries in Sittwe and arrested  over 100 individualswho did not possess Sittwe national registration cards. Many monks were alsoarrested and many of them are still in their custody.

From 29 to 31 May, the junta forces killed 76 peoplein Byine Phyu village and nearly 100 individuals were taken to the 20thinfantry battalion.