It was learnt by KNG that Maran La Hkawng deputy administrator of Gau-ri district and two soldiers from Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), Kamaing sub-township, western Kachin state, Burma, are arrested by government armed troop from Karmaing Military tactical unit.
Maran La Hkawng, deputy administrator of Gau-ri area, Mangshang Ying Bawm and Naw Sai were arrested by government No.11 Light Infantry Battalion at Htoi Sang Yang and sent to Kamaing Military tactical unit on September 20, said a resident of Karmiang in anonymity.
“They have nothing in their hands. In Kamiang, there are people who live on hunting eels. While they (KIO) were asking tax from eel hunters, they were arrested. The news said that ten thousand Kyats cash amount was found in the hand of the officer,” he said.
Led by Col. Thant Sin Aung (G3), Aung Khaing Phyo from Military Affair Security (MAS) and Kyaw Swar Aung from military supply unit altogether 11 soldiers in uniform of Light Infantry Battalion No.11 under the command of Light Infantry Division No. 66 arrested the KIO soldiers as confirmed by an official from Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Government soldiers shot one bullet in the air while encircled and arrested the KIO soldiers.
Karmaing township of Gau-ri district is under control of KIA’s No. 1 Company under No. 6 Battalion. It was unheard of the reason of the arrest. But, people believed that the arrest will be related to levying tax from eel hunters.
“The new said that the KIA deputy administrator and team was arrested and still under detention, but the reason was unknown,” said U Lamai Gum Jar of Peace Creation Group (PCG) during an interview with KNG.
Levying in their controlled area inside Kachin state is officially permitted; it was in vain even though they have been making negotiation for release of KIO members arrested by army. Many KIA soldiers were under arrest charging various reasons, said Lieutenant Colonel Naw Bu from PCG.
“Release of detained KIO members’ issue was discussed in meetings. However, the authorities changed the KIO members’ cases as drug-related crimes and, no one release!” he said.
The current arrest was made by the order of Kamaing Military Tactical Unit and now even other KIA members also have to hide.
The arrest of three KIA members occurred while Union Peace Working Committee (UPWC) and Nationwide Ceasefire Coordinating Team (NCCT) have been going on talks for the sixth round in order to sign a single text nationwide ceasefire agreement.
