Even though forty- three prisoners, linked to the Arakan Army (AA), were released on 12 February on the occasion of Union Day, another 70 individuals with the same allegations are still behind the bars.

U Pe Than, a former Pyithu luttaw lawmaker from  Myebon township demanded their release without discrimination.

"I am happy that 43 people were released. At the same time, many others are still in jails. The initiative should be taken as a gesture to peace talks with the ULA / AA. The military council should show sincerity with another positive gesture,” said the political activist.

He added that the detainees should not be used as political tools and be released in good faith.

According to writer U Wai Hin Aung, 17 prisoners in Sittwe jail-including five Kyaukseik villagers under Ponnagyun township, whose video footage were spread in social media narrating their harassments by Burmese navy men, have also not been released till date.

In addition, seven persons in Thandwe prison, five in Buthidaung prison, around 10 in Mrauk-U jail, 18 in Kyaukphyu jail, one in Paletwa (ChinState) jail, six in Mandalay prison and six in Rangoon Insein jail are also behind bars.

According to another writer Wai Hin Aung, who is supporting the political prisoners, more than 70 people are still imprisoned in connection with the AA.

Khin Hla Wai, wife of detainee Nyi Nyi Aung, who hails from  Kyaukseik village in Ponnagyun township , expressed her anger that her husband has not been released yet.

“It is sad that my husband along with many others are still in jail. I want justice and equal rights for every  citizen,” she added while talking to Narinjara News.

Most of the detainees are made responsible for terror activities as they allegedly supported the members of ULA / AA during the conflicts between the AA cadres and Burmese army personnel since 2018.