The Tatmadaw has still detained the Chin State Chief Minister, some ministers and the speaker of Chin State parliament, while other ministers are under house arrest.
Chin State Chief Minister Salai Lian Luai, Development Affairs Minister U Soe Htet, Minister for Immigration and Human Resource Development U Chi Phwe, Chin State Parliament Speaker U Zo Bwe and Vice Parliament Speaker U Take Htan are all being detained at the military camp in Haka Township.
Minister for Social Affairs U Paung Lun Min Htan, Minister for Transport and Communication U Shwe Htee Oh, Minister for Forest U Mann Hin Dar and Minister for Planning and Finance U Wai Kaw are under house arrest in Haka.
The Minister for Social Affairs U Paung Lun Min Htan said: “The chief minister and the rest are at the military camp. Some ministers are at the ministers’ residential housing complex. We can stay there in relative freedom but we are not allowed to go outside. Drivers appointed by the ministers are allowed to go outside to buy goods and food. We are also allowed to use the phones.”
According to the statement by Chin Human Rights Organization, the total number of the detainees since the February 1 coup has reached 38 in Chin State. Six Chin ethnics are also arrested in Ann Township of Arakan State.
Salai San Hnin Lyan, a head of the Chin Human Rights Organization said: “We denounce the arrests of election officials, activists and politicians across the country, including the heads of the State. We call for the release of all detainees and demand an end to arrests. The actions by the Tatmadaw are disrupting the path of national reconciliation and transition towards democracy. The coup has also been denounced by the international community.”
Most detainees in Chin State are officials of election sub-commission. Currently, the police have arrested a total of 25 chairs and secretaries of Township Election Sub-Commission including Chair of Chin State Election Sub-Commission and Secretary U Lin Kyaw, according to the Chin Human Rights Organization.
