The total number of Chin people arrested nationwide since the military coup on February 1st has reached 171, according to the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO).

Now, the army has released 112 of 171 detainees. The remaining 59 people remain behind bars.

Of 59 those detained, the authorities have filed cases against 11 people, while the other 48 are awaiting trial. Around half of those have been charged under section 505 (a) of the Penal Code.

 

Salai Bawi Lian Mang, Executive director of the CHRO said: “Recently we are very concerned about the illegal arrest and torture of civilians.”

Among the detainees are nine Chin State government members, 25 from the election sub-commission, seven police members who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and 130 civilians.

Most detainees have been beaten, according to the CHRO.

On April 1, the security forces destroyed CCTV facilities on both sides of the roads in Hakha Township in Chin State, arrested at least six people and released some detainees with pledges. 

 

The police issued arrest warrants for 23 protest leaders, protestors and CDM staff in Chin State.