Hnin New  — Three out of five men arrested by the Tatmadaw last month in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, are yet to be released despite the military saying last week that it would free them, according to the detainees’ family members.

The Tatmadaw True News Information Team announced on June 29 that it would release three detainees from Apaukwa village, Kyauktaw Township, identified as U Aung Naing Soe, U Hsan Win Naing and U Myint Zaw.

However, the Tatmadaw had yet to release the trio as of July 3, according to Ko Min Min Tun, the younger brother of Aung Naing Soe.

“I am worried about their safety and am waiting for their return. I’d like to ask the Tatmadaw to release the detainees including my elder brother,” he added.

The Tatmadaw’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 539 detained the five Apaukwa villagers travelling in a white Toyota WISH on their way to attend a funeral in neighbouring Ponnagyun Township on June 27, according to their families.

The Tatmadaw has alleged that photos showing landmine-making activities and one of the vehicle’s passengers, U Bo Kyaw Than, holding a remote detonator were found on his mobile, as well as other incriminating images. U Bo Kyaw Than will be charged under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law, the Tatmadaw said, and the driver of the Toyota is likely to face a case under the Export Import Law for alleged possession of an unlicensed vehicle.

DMG attempted to contact Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun and Maj-Gen Tun Tun Nyi from the Tatmadaw True News Information Team seeking comment on the release of the three detainees, but they could not be reached.