ShinMin Zan, Narinjara News, 28 August 2024

Outof 16 civilians arrested from Min Tayar Gyeik old village under Sittwe townshipof  Arakan State, 13 were released. Among them there were two women andthree students too.

Thereleased individuals include  Ma Sandar Win, Tun Tun Naing, Maung Chey(father of Thar Pu Chey), Thein Min Htay, San Maung Hla, Thar Pu Chey, TharGyi, Than Zaw Oo (also known as Maung Myat Oo), Win Win Zaw, Than Zaw Htay, andtwo others (near Wai Lu Wun monastery).

Theywere released from Sittwe number one police station. But  Maung ChaukChey, Nay Min Tun, and Ko Htay Htay remained in police custody for furtherinterrogation, said a released family member.

"Wehad to apply for the bail to get them released," added the family member.

Thejunta soldiers and police personnel surrounded the village and arrested thecivilians on the night of 21 August.

InSittwe,  which is under the junta’s control, the soldiers and policepersonnel continue arresting civilians for various reasons. Some detainees havegone missing and the families have no idea about them.

On 29May, the junta soldiers raided Byine Phyu village and arrested severalvillagers. Out of the detained individuals, 76 were brutally killed. Over 100individuals were taken to the 20th infantry battalion. Byine Phyu village isnear to Min Tayar Gyeik old village.

Thejunta has increased its  military presence across Sittwe as the last lineof defense. The junta forces have also used many residents as their hostagesand blocked the town to prevent anyone  from leaving the place.