2 Rakhine youths arrested on suspicion of being AA members

Two young men, who went to work in Yangon from Maebon township of Rakhine State, were arrested by the junta forces on suspicion of being members of Arakan Army (AA).

Maung Nyi San (19 years old)  from Saitara village along with another youth of the same age boarded a passenger bus going from Taungup town to Yangon. Both of them were arrested at Don Cheung checkpoint outside Gwa township, which is close to Ayawaddy division, at around 1:30 pm on 29 August.

Maung Nyi San's elder sister said that since their arrest, they have not received any information about them till today and they all are worried about the youths.

"We don't know where they have been detained. We came to know only after the bus driver informed us about their arrest,” she added.

Maung Nyi San has been working outside since he was 15 years old. Identity of the other one detainee is yet  be ascertained.

The military council has recently put several checkpoints on Sittwe-Yangon highway and Taungup-Rangoon highway.

The  passengers are subjected to arbitrary checks in those checkpoints. Often the soldiers demand  money from the travelers.

Photo: Maung Nyi San (19 years old)