Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 4 March 2025 

A man from Min Gan ward in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, was apprehended and murdered by junta forces after they found tattoos of the Arakan Army (AA) and Arakan symbols on him. 

The individual, recognized as U Maung Maung Thein, 55, resided in Block 4 of Min Gan ward. 

A resident of Sittwe informed Narinjara News, "The day following the gunfire exchange in Sittwe, security measures were heightened. On February 28, forces from the junta conducted a search of his residence, detained him, and transported him to the Regional Operations Command (ROC).” 

The resident stated that on February 28, a band of approximately 20 junta soldiers and their allies broke into U Maung Maung Thein’s residence in Min Gan ward, detained him, and transported him to the ROC. 

An insider familiar with the situation informed Narinjara News that U Maung Maung Thein’s deceased body was brought back to his residence on March 2, two days following his capture. 

"They took him into custody on suspicion of ties to the AA, subjected him to torture, and then executed him. The primary motive behind his killing was the Arakan and AA symbols inked on his skin. Once he passed away, they sent back his body. This is an intentional threat to the individuals," said the source. 

As per sources associated with the military, those taken into custody in Sittwe are frequently held in groups by junta forces at sites including the police station, prison, ROC, military intelligence unit (SaYaPha) office, and Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI) office, where they face arrest, torture, and interrogation. 

Numerous young individuals held by junta forces are said to be unable to reach their families, and their locations are still unclear. 

Sittwe residents report that junta troops have heightened security protocols in the city and are blatantly detaining, kidnapping, and extorting locals. 

On February 26, police linked to the junta carried out inspections on pedestrians, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws at the Mee Sat Gyi junction in Sittwe. In the evening, over 10 soldiers and police officers, equipped with weapons, were observed watching the activities of residents in San Pya (North) ward. 

Residents further indicated that junta troops and police officers accessed Block 2 of Magyi Myaing ward in Sittwe City to review the overnight guest registry and household documentation.