Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 25 March 2025

On March 22, junta forces arrested and killed a young man from the Mi Zan ward in Sittwe, Arakan State.

The individual has been identified as Ko Nay Toe, 20 years old, hailing from Mi Zan ward in Sittwe.

A local informed Narinjara News that Ko Nay Toe was apprehended, assaulted, and murdered by a military patrol close to the Korean BXT port in Sittwe at approximately 7:30 pm as he was exiting his home to buy snacks.

The local stated, "He was out buying snacks close to the BXT port, where military vehicles were surveilling and monitoring the residents attentively. Ko Nay Toe was purchasing fritters when soldiers exited their vehicle, detained him, and assaulted him when he refused. They subsequently took him away in the military vehicle."

An individual associated with the military informed Narinjara News that Ko Nay Toe was brought to the Regional Operation Command (ROC) in Sittwe, where he experienced severe beating and torture, resulting in injuries that nearly led to death. He passed away three days later during his transfer to Sittwe hospital.

The source reported, "The young man was brutally killed due to allegations of being linked to the Arakan Army (AA). He was transported to Sittwe Hospital in critical condition but passed away before arriving."

The military transported his body to Sittwe Hospital, but the family, after receiving the news, went to collect it from the hospital.

This event comes after the kidnapping and murder of U Maung Maung Thein, aged 55, on February 28. Junta troops apprehended him in Block 4, Min Gan Ward, Sittwe, alleging that he had Arakan Army and Arakan symbols inked on his body. His remains were subsequently returned home.

Likewise, on January 19, junta troops detained and murdered U Kyaw Lin, aged 50, from San Pya Ward in Sittwe, after he approached the military to ask about a villager from Pyar Le Chaung village, Sittwe Township, who had been captured by junta forces.

The random arrests, torture, and murders of innocent individuals by the junta troops have instilled fear in the residents, causing vendors to be reluctant to venture out and sell.

At present, junta troops in Sittwe conduct patrols almost daily around the BXT port, Shu Khin Thar Street, Strand Road, and the city's creeks, with heightened security measures in place.