10 villagers gone missing after arrested by junta forces

Eain Soe Phyu,Narinjara News, 22 June 2024

More than 10 villagers, including a 100-house-group elder in Aung Taing village under Sittwe township of Rakhine State, were arrested by the junta forces and since then the families have had no contacts with the residents.

The junta soldiers  arrested them on the night of 7 and 8 June. The arrested villagers include U Aung Than Win (also known as Ko Nyi Nyi, 41 years old), Ko Kyaw Than (25), U Tun Oo Sein (40), U Maung Thein (40), U Than Zaw Oo (30), U Hla Win, Maung Tun Lin, Ko Nyein Nyein Lin, Ko Moe Di, Ko Maung Pyar along with a few others.

"Both my son and son-in-law were arrested while they were sleeping. Since 7 June I haven't been able to contact them. I am worried about their safety. I desperately want to see my son,” said a villager.

The junta forces forcibly relocated 12 villages under Sittwe locality including Aung Taing village to Sittwe town within 9 to 14 June.

“The junta soldiers continuously raided our houses and arrested many young and middle-aged villagers. I do not know who were released and who are still in their custody,” added the villager.

On 10 June, a resident of Aung Taing village named  U Aung Than (50) was killed after being dragged with a noose around his neck by the junta soldiers.

Facing setbacks against the Arakha Army fighters in various battles, the military junta has  been arresting and even killing Arakanese civilians, said an observer of Arakan affairs, adding that it created panic among the villagers.