An armed group arrested a local militia leader and two administration members, including a village administrator and a 100-household leader, in Kawthoung Township, Tanintharyi Region, on October 14, according to reports from military junta-linked news channels.
Those arrested were identified as U Win Myint, the administrator of Lonehpawnge village tract; militia leader U Aye Soe (aka) Kaung Phyu; and U Thet Oo, the 100-household leader from Aye Chan Thar village.
The Independent Mon News Agency contacted Ko La Pyae, spokesperson for the Kawthoung Township People’s Defence Force, which operates in the area, for details about the incident. He said they could not provide full information yet due to security concerns.
“There’s only us operating in the whole township. Because of our comrades’ security, we can’t release exact details yet. We’ll announce it soon so that people will know why they were arrested and how it happened, once our team reports back,” Ko La Pyae said.
He added that the administration bodies appointed by the military junta had been warned not to participate in the junta’s sham election preparations, assist with military recruitment, collect conscription or porter fees, or engage in drug trading.
“We had to take action because some administrators ignored our warnings. Some even tried to resist us,” he said.
On October 15, the Kawthoung Township People’s Defence Force issued a statement urging the public to remain alert during the upcoming election period. It warned people to avoid concealing their identities, covering vehicle plates, or traveling near junta convoys and offices.
The statement also called on the public not to participate in or support the junta’s planned fake election or so-called peace talks, urging unity and firm opposition to the military junta’s efforts to prolong its rule.
