Junta arrests Rakhine civilians accusing AA connection, demands ransom for release

Narinjara News, 24 October 2022

At least 18 local residents of Rambree in Kyauk Phyu district of Rakhine State have been arrested by the military council troops since 21 September. Some of the arrested civilians are accused of maintaining links with the Arakan Army members, who are waging a war against the Burmese military council.

But many civilians, who have not committed any crime or maintained any affiliation to AA are also detained by the army personnel.

"If anybody even falsely reports that a certain individual is connected to AA, he or she will be arrested immediately. Later the soldiers try to negotiate with their families for some prices. For their release, one may have to pay Kyats 8 to 20 lakh. This is the situation prevailing at Rambree,” said a person who had experienced such situations.

A family member of an arrested resident told Narinjara News that they are currently negotiating with the army authority for his release, who is presently in Rambree police custody.

Without considering the financial capabilities, the soldiers demand the money for the family members. Even when there is no evidence against a resident, he may be arrested and asked for money against his release by the army personnel.

“The soldiers often conduct raids in search of AA members and their sympathisers. People are now afraid of patrolling soldiers. It’s even worse than the robbery,” said a local resident.

“In many cases, people pay the money and make them free from the custody of soldiers,” he stated, adding that they are warned to keep silent over the matter.

As many as 150 people in Rakhine State have been arrested by the junta forces and some of them even charged under article 505(a)(b) and article 17(1) of the terrorism act.

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