Over 80 local men from Shwe Pyar Ward, Mizan Ward, and West Sanpya Ward in Sittwe, Rakhine State, were arrested and taken away by the military council at around 4 PM on September 13.
Residents reported that members of the military council, dressed in military and police uniforms, arrived in vehicles to conduct guest registration checks and then arrested local residents.
He said, "They arrived in cars around 3 or 4 PM, claiming they were there to inspect the guest list, and arrested the local people. It is reported that about 80 people were taken. It's not exactly known where they were taken."He also mentioned that those detained included people of various ages, from teenagers to those over 40 and it is still not clear where they were taken.
Another local said, "It is reported that they also raided the Save the Children offices. And then they detained people from Mrauk Sanpya village who were playing cards and gambling."In May 2024, in Sittwe Township, over 700 civilians were detained. More than 300 were released, while over 400 were charged with various offenses by the military council.
May 29 to June 1, 2024, the military council detained and executed a total of 76 civilians from Byine Phyu village in Sittwe Township. Additionally, 243 villagers were charged with various offenses, resulting in harsh labor and three-year prison sentences for each.
In Rakhine, during the conflict period, the military council has detained local residents, including women and underage children, on various pretexts.
Translated by Nga Lar Guage
