The Burmese junta forces have detained more than 100 people, locking them up in threelocations and apparently using them as human shields in Pauk Taw township, 20 miles eastof  Sittwe, after the soldiers recapturedthe area from the Arakan Army (AA).

A local social activist said, "We heard that more than 100 people were detained from three  places.However, some say there may be  200, who were picked up by the junta forces.”

They are being held at the Law Ka Hteit Pan Pagoda hills, the agriculture warehouse, and thetownship fire station. Moreover,a few people are missing after an arm clash between AA members and themilitary in the town.

Since the battle started on November 16, hundreds of peoplehave left Pauk Taw because they fear that the junta troops may carry outatrocities.

Eight female teachers were arrested by junta troops afterthey attempted to flee Pauk Taw on November 16, following hundreds of othercitizens who left thetown. Family members claim to be concerned for their kin.

A family member said,  “I got a phonecall that day from them at around2:30 pm just after the soldiers recaptured the town. One teacher told me not to worry as  they reached the pagodahill. I could
hear some gunshots too. I called again at 5 pm and this time a soldier picked up the phone. He only informedthat they were detained.”

"From the day they were arrested until today, I have notbeen able to contact them.I want to know how they are doing.  Their phones are now switched off. We  want them to bereleased soon,” said an affected relative.

AB News reported that four  school teachers and two of their children were detained by the military counciltroops from urban area of PaukTaw.

They have been identified as Daw Ma Tin Nyunt (50 years old), Daw Ma Hla Khin (60), Ma Su Nyein Hlaing(a university student), Daw Thein TheinOo (44), Maung Soe Ye Than (son of Thein Thein Oo) and Daw Ma Ohn Khin (49).

While Narinjara News can verify the locations where army personnel havedetained residents of Pauk Taw, it is unable to confirm the total number ofdetained.

However, a former MP from  the town, who is also hiding, claimed that over 200 residents were detainedby the junta forces.

Currently, more than 200 soldiers and 60 police personnel have been deployed in the town area. The  AAstated that they will retaliate againstthe junta forces who killed  innocent civilians.

Some political observers state that the military council has been detaining the civilians for using ashuman shields against the  AA attacks.