Locals in Indaw Township, situated on the border of Kachin State and Sagaing Region, have reported a surge in targeted arrests of women since the start of this year.
According to a member of the local defence forces who spoke to KNG, the situation escalated following the arrest of two men at a crossroads in Indaw on March 3rd. A week later, the Military Council apprehended 20 more women from the area.
“Approximately 20 women have been arrested in recent days, primarily comprising vendors. Additionally, those who participated in the (CDM) Civil Disobedience Movement were also detained. Some were apprehended in their homes, while others were taken into custody while selling their goods”, he said.
Between 2021 and December 2022, following the military coup, slightly over 10 women were arrested in Indaw. However, this year, in the month of March alone, the Military Council has arrested 20 women.
Of the more than 30 women arrested, the Military Council has identified them as supporters of the People's Defense Forces (PDF) and CDM activists. They have been charged with offenses under Section 505(A) and Section 505(B), as well as allegations of terrorism.
“The majority of the detained women are presently being held in Indaw without being formally sentenced. Among them, Ma Yin Yin Thein is the only individual who has received a sentence. She was charged under Section 505(A)”, an official of Indaw-PDF said.
A local woman said that since February, when Indaw was designated as a martial law area, the Military Council has been carrying out more operations under the guise of ensuring safety. This has resulted in local women facing challenges in traveling and experiencing feelings of insecurity.
“When a military column enters Indaw, the safety of women is significantly diminished, with reports of crimes such as rape occurring. As a result, women are particularly vigilant when traveling through this area”, she said.
The Women's League of Burma has reported that a staggering 2363 women were arrested in Myanmar between the time of the military coup and December 2022.
