9 women arrested from Yangon's bus station released, 5 still remain in custody

Among the 14 Rakhine youths, detained from Aung Mingalar highway bus station in Yangon on 20 February, 9 women were released by the military junta on 25 February. The remaining four youths and a young lady are still in custody, said one of their relatives.

The released individuals include Ma Moe Htet Thu, Ma Soe Myint Maw, Ma Chit San Khin, Ma Aye Chit Thin, Ma Aye Thida, Ma Aye Chan Win, Ma Phyu Phyu Soe, Ma Cho Cho Than and Ma Su Lin Shwe.

Those remaining in custody include  Ma Khin Than Nwe, Ko Ye Win Hlaing, Ko Phyo Htoo San, Ko Oo Win Kyaw and Ko Bo Saw Hein.

"Ma Khin Than Nwe stated that she was not interested in going to Rakhine State and wished to stay here. However, the misinterpretation of her Rakhine words led the junta soldiers to understand that she intended to stay with the Arakan Army (AA),” added the relative.

In the Rakhine language, staying at A means staying here, which in Burmese language refers to staying in Yangon instead of returning to Rakhine. However, misinterpretation led to misunderstanding that she intended to join the AA.

"The family members of the detained individuals are worried about their health. Moreover they apprehend that the four youths will be enrolled in military services,” added the individual.

On 20 February at 9 am, 14 individuals along with other passengers returning to the Rakhine region  were arrested on Shwe Pyi Thar road. They came from Aung Mingalar highway bus station in Yangon. They were travelling in two Aung Sitt Khaing and three other express buses.

Another individual informed Narinjara News that there were over 100 Rakhine individuals travelling in three vehicles, out of which 81 women were released. The remaining men are still in military custody.

It can not be confirmed as the released women and their families remain uncountable.