NarinjaraNews, 25 June 2024

The juntaforces  arrested 60 residents of Ah Myint Kyun village under Sittwetownship in Arakan State on Saturday evening, said local villagers.

"Thevillagers under the age of 50 were arrested and they are yet to be released.Sittwe regional operations command conducted the arrests. They are currentlybeing detained at the 344th light infantry battalion," informed avillager.

Many womengathered at the village monastery and the junta soldiers asked them to leavethe village by 26 June.

"Thegathered women alleged that many underage and disabled individuals were pickedup by the soldiers. As they protested, the women are also ordered to leave thevillage urgently, added the villager.

Ah Myint Kyun village is situatedalong the Sittwe-Yangon highway and the majority of its residents have alreadyleft the village.

Thosearrested are mainly manual labourers, who stayed in the village as theycouldn't afford to leave due to the conflicts. Most of the detainees hail fromthe San Pya area of Ah Myint Kyun village.

Narinjara News tried to contact themilitary spokesperson U Hla Thein, Arakan State attorney general and Sittwetownship administrator by telephone for further details, but did not receiveany response.

Thevillagers are now worried as they are unable to make contact with the arrestedresidents till now.