At least 10 residents from Thanbyuzayat who were arrested have been charged by the military junta under anti-terrorism laws.
U Aung Ko Ko, U Zin Lay Nwe, U Win Htik, Ko Wai Linn Soe, Ko Htet Naing Oo, U Kyaw Swar Tun, U Than Zaw, U Aung Myint, U Hpay Myint, and Nai Chan Mon, all from the General Administration Department of Thanbyuzayat township, had a case opened against them in December. The charges include violations under Section-50 (j) and 52 (a) of the Anti-Terrorism Law, as well as Section-505 (a) of the Penal Code.
On November 30th of last year, following the arrest of resident U Mya Than for possession of weapons and ammunition, arrested at least 50 residents, including the owner of the ‘Hay Mehn’ construction company.
“Most of those arrested are businessmen and individuals connected to them. For instance, if a homeowner is not directly involved, but their son-in-law is associated with the PDF, the son-in-law is spared from arrest, while the house is sealed,” said a resident of Thanbyuzayat.
Although some of those initially arrested have been released, the military junta opened a series of cases in December against approximately 10 residents for alleged links to the PDF. Local residents report that some of those arrested are being interrogated in the Weakali camp.
At least two of those arrested, including U Mya Than and resident Ko Min Min, died during interrogation.
According to residents, the military junta has sealed off at least 20 homes of those arrested.
According to the Association for Assistance of Political Prisoners AAPP, more than 800 people have been arrested in Mon State since the military coup.
