16 civilians arrested in Min Tayar Gyeik old village of Sittwe, 13 released later

Shin Min Zan, Narinjara News, 28 August 2024

Out of 16 civilians arrested from Min Tayar Gyeik old village under Sittwe township of  Arakan State, 13 were released. Among them there were two women and three students too.

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

They were released from Sittwe number one police station. But  Maung Chauk Chey, Nay Min Tun, and Ko Htay Htay remained in police custody for further interrogation, said a released family member.

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

The junta soldiers and police personnel surrounded the village and arrested the civilians on the night of 21 August.

In Sittwe,  which is under the junta’s control, the soldiers and police personnel continue arresting civilians for various reasons. Some detainees have gone missing and the families have no idea about them.

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

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