Sittwe: An Arakanese historian and author was arrested by police earlier this week in Sittwe and released on the condition that he must come to the police station whenever he is wanted for questioning, said one of his students.

U Aung Hla Thein was arrested by police in a raid on his house in Kyaung Det Land ward in Sittwe in the early morning of Monday and was brought to the number two police station in Sittwe.

At the police station, he was interrogated by police for about three hours and then released after agreeing to the conditions laid down.

"U Aung Hla is now free but the police seized his computer and many papers, including research papers about Arakanese history," the student said.

No details are available as to why the authorities arrested him and seized his computer and documents.

"Many people believe that the arrest of U Aung Hla Thein is related to the forthcoming referendum by the military junta. Because there is a rumor in Sittwe that some intellectuals in Sittwe are preparing to oppose the referendum which is scheduled to be held in May 2008," the student added.

U Aung Hla Thein is just a scholar and is not involved in politics, but it is believed that the authorities suspect that he may instigate some intellectuals to oppose the referendum.

"Sara U Aung Hla Thein is now at his house, but he has not revealed anything about his arrest. It seems he is prohibited by the police from saying anything about his arrest to other people," the student said.

It was learnt that many scholars in Sittwe are now anxious about their security after police arrested and interrogated U Aung Hla Thein.