Junta forces arrest son, 2 friends after failing to locate father

The junta police personnel have arrested a young man while failing to locate his father in Kyeintali town of  Gwa township in  Rakhine State. Even they picked up his two young friends.

At around 10 pm on 11 April, eight junta police officers conducted a raid at the residence of U Thein Zan in Thel Kone village, but he was not present at that time. The police personnel then arrested his son Ko Nay Zar Lin along with two friends namely  Ko Win Min Tun and Ko Nyi Nge Lay.

"The police came searching for his father. When they couldn't find him, they arrested his son and two others who were present at that time at home,” said a local resident.

They are currently detained at Kyeintali police station. The reason behind their arrest is yet to be disclosed.

"The police personnel are targeting the individuals who keep information about the Arakha Army (AA) on their phones and share text & pictures on social media," added the resident.

From 9 to 11 April, 16 people have been arrested in Rakhine State. The detainees include five  individuals from Buthidaung, four from Kyaukphyu, one from Thandwe, three  from Sittwe and three from Gwa townships.

According to the humanitarian and development cooperation office (HDCO) of the ULA/AA, the  junta forces have arrested 471 civilians including 47 women from 13 November to 21 March 2024.