NarinjaraNews, November 19,2022

It has been 5days since the Military Council arrested 2 Muslim traders and confiscated 600-lakh kyats in Buthidaung townshipof Rakhine State, but the family members said they have had no contact with the detainees.

The two arrested Muslim traders were U Chin Chu Ar Laung andU Eui Soo from Wat Ma Kya MuslimVillage of Thay Kan Khwa Soan Village Tract in Buthdaung Township.

They were checked and searched by the Military Councilforces at Buthidaung harbour ataround 2:30 PM on November 15, when they returned by boat after having sold the cattle.

A relative said that the Muslim traders were arrested andtaken to a military operationtactical base after around 600-lakh kyats were found during the militarysearch.

A relative said “they were arrested and taken to the Military Operation Tactical Base. Uptill now they have been detained, and we cannot contact them.”

Amir Hu Saung, a resident of Myoma neighborhood inButhidaung township, who was alsoarrested with the two traders was released by the Military Council.

The reason for the arrest of the two traders is unknown.Family members said that the tradersdidn’t do anything that violates the law, nor are they related to any organization.

Since the resurgence of fighting with the Arakan Army (AA)in Rakhine State, the MilitaryCouncil forces have targeted and arrested Rakhine businessmen more than ever before. There are widespreadreports in the Rakhine community, that the Military Council troops often demand for money from 100-lakh to 500-lakhkyats, for the release of thosewho have been arrested.

(Photo:Main Jetty of Buthidaung, Rakhine)