Relatives are deeply worried over the fate of five family members detained by a military battalion in Paletwa, Chin State.
A family member explained there has been no news at all . “It's not easy to go and ask about them, so we just have to wait for the news. We don't know why he was arrested. After they came to check the overnight list at the guest-house, he was taken to be interrogated. We believe he has not done anything wrong and should be released. We hoped they won’t torture him. He was not engaged in anything more than teaching. Now we are worried because we haven't heard anything about him”.
The people arrested are U Zaw Tin, a middle school principal in Nhamada Village, U Maung Win Than, a middle school teacher from the same village and 3 other Paletwa residents, Ko Maung San Phyo, U Saw Hla and U Kyaw.
Two brothers who were masons were also arrested by the Military Council on October 13 and 14. Among them, the younger brother Ko Maung San Phyo was arrested at his home on the night of October 13. About 20 members of the Military Council handcuffed and blindfolded him and beat him on the road while taking him away, according to a family member.
“They came to check the guest list at the house and asked if he was at home. When they saw him, they surrounded him. They said he would be taken for questioning. At a place a little far from the house, they tied his hands and beat him up. And dragged him like an animal. I want him to be released as soon as possible. I asked to see him, but my request was rejected. I am very worried that something will happen to him”, the family member also said.
A local resident commented ,“He makes an honest living. Even if he is guilty, he should be punished in accordance with the law. I don't want him to be kept in their hands for long. His household will suffer while he is in custody as they depend on him.”
Residents from Paletwa said that civilians have been arrested under the pretext of checking overnight guest lists by the Military Council since early October. Six people are detained in the 289th Battalion headquarters based in Paletwa. The family members are particularly concerned because that this battalion is notorious for torturing detainees.
3 elderly locals from Paletwa were also arrested by the Military Council last June and charged under Section 505(A) of sedition.
In August, the Military Council strictly blocked the waterways and land routes connected to Paletwa. In addition, the transportation of goods is only allowed with the approval of the 289th Battalion based in Paletwa.
