Eight people in Tenasserim division, Burma suspected to be supporting Mon rebels were arrested by local military junta authorities after a member of the rebel group surrendered to the army and exposed them. However, five of them were released after the army found they were innocent.

A soldier of the Monland Restoration Party (MRP) who moved to Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division surrendered to the local Infantry Battalion No.282 two weeks ago. He told the battalion authorities that some local people are supporting the MRP.

Mi Woot, wife of Kyauk-Thalin headman Nai Roat (45) and Nai Shwe (65) are still under detention at the army base Alaesakhan, a villager said.

According to the villager, eight villagers were arrested on August 16, after the Mon rebel surrendered. But five of them were released the next day.

Currently the local tactical commander Col Kyaw Myint is taking action and monitoring the movement of Mon rebels.

The rebel member alleged that Mi Woot had sent food to Mon rebels in the past that is why she has been detained.

Following the movement of the Mon rebel group, Burmese Army troops ordered villagers to clear the bushes along the main road of Ye-Tavoy. Each family in the area has to take responsibility of clearing bushes, which is nine miles long.

Recently the Mon rebel group led by Nai Bin released 12 villagers from Cha Bon village after taking them hostage for levy. Naval troops of the ruling junta arrested these people for interrogation.

Following the movement of rebels, local troops ordered villagers not to go to plantations and farms to cut off contact with Mon rebels.