A civilian from Man Aung locality of Rakhine State wasarrested by the junta forces on suspicion of being supporter of the People'sDefense Forces (PDF).

The arrested person is identified as U Si Thu (50years old), who has been living in Man Aung town for many years.

A local resident informed Narinjara News that thejunta troops arrested him from his residence in the evening hours of 18September.

"He has been a supporter of the NLD for a longerperiod. He often posted anti-coup messages on social media," said theresident.

A case has been opened against Si Thu, who iscurrently under arrest following provisions of the sedition laws’ section505-A.

The junta forcesare still looking for more people in Man Aung township who may be associated with the PDF.Many are posting anti-military messages on social media, he added.

After the military coup, at least 10 youths whoparticipated in various protests were summoned and examined by the militaryauthority.

Lately, the junta soldiers are roaming around thevillages under Thandwe township, located in the southern part of Rakhine State.They are understood as looking for PDF supporters and sympathisers.

In some Rakhine townships, many social activists,including women, were arrested by the junta forces last year. Most of them wereimprisoned by the military council court for allegedly supporting the PDF.

The recent arrestof Si Thuhas scared the villagers with rumours that anyone who incites a governmentemployee will be treated as a crime. Si Thu may face imprisonment up to threeyears along with the fine.