8 civilians from Kyauk Phyu, Sittwe arrested by junta forces after checking guest lists

Narinjara News, 7 August 2022

At least eight civilians, five from Kyauk Phyu and three from Sittwe, were arrested by the junta forces after checking the guest lists.

The Kyauk Phyu residents namely U Zaw Zaw Aung, U Myo Than Kyaw, U Nyi, U Bobo and U Zeya Tun were arrested at around 11pm on 5 August.

Nearly 25 soldiers and 5 policemen from the 34th battalion based in Kyauk Phyu on Nga La Pwe bridge, came to check the guests and later they arrested those five individuals.

"Last night, about 25 army and police personnel came to investigate the guest lists in our neighborhood and then arrested five residents, who lied on the Nga La Pwe bridge checkpoint. Presently they are in the city police station,” said a resident, who wanted anonymity.

Those Sittwe residents namely Maung Phyo Wai Soe (18 years old) and U Maung Rwe Thein (43) were arrested on the night of 4 August.

Residents of Mingang ward of Sittwe informed that three men were arrested by the military personnel from LIB  270 battalion after applying 2 shots at around 9 pm.

Mingang ward administrator U Soe Win, when asked about the incident, informed that the residents were arrested following the checking of guest lists, but he denied more details.

Another ward administrator U Kyaw Naing Oo said that they heard about the arrest. But he too avoided further information.

Rakhine State security and border affairs minister colonel Kyawthura was contacted by Narinjara News, but did not respond.

The junta forces have arrested over 40 civilians after checking the guest lists in the Rakhine townships of Kyauk Phyu, Rambree, Maungdaw, Rathedaug, Mrauk U and Minbya.

Many local residents alleged that the junta forces were actually looking for people in connection with the Arakan Army and it only showed the checking of guest lists as their primary cause of arrest.