The military junta has arrested eight residents of Kyaikto Township, Mon State, on charges of supporting the People’s Defense Force (PDF). Among those detained are four members of the Kawsannai Social Rescue Team and four other locals.
On the night of June 13, U Mya Aung, U Chan Thar Aung, U Soe Hlaing, and Ma Chit Su Yadana, all members of the Kawsannai Social Rescue Team, were taken into custody. The following day, four more men from Kyaikto were also arrested.
Since their detention, the families of the eight individuals have been unable to contact them, and their whereabouts remain unknown, according to a family member.
“They were arrested on the night of the 13th for allegedly supporting the PDF. We have had no contact with them and do not know their exact location. We heard some might be at the Kyaikto police station, but when we tried to send supplies, they were not accepted,” he said.
A representative from the Kawsannai Social Rescue Team emphasized that the arrests were personal and not related to the organization’s activities.
“They were members of our team, but their arrests were on a personal basis. We are still trying to determine their whereabouts,” said the member.
Despite these arrests, the Kawsannai Social Rescue Team continues its regular rescue operations.
In Kyaikto Township, the military junta often detains locals, social organization members, and business owners for questioning. Some are released, while others remain in detention.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), as of June 17, 26,877 people have been arrested for political reasons since the military coup, with 20,607 still in detention.
