Residents detained by junta troops in Duya Village, in the Hparlein area of Ye Township, have reportedly been released after their families paid at least 30 lakh kyats, according to local sources.
The arrests occurred on February 16 when junta soldiers set up a checkpoint and carried out searches on the road leading in and out of Duya Village. During the operation, troops detained local residents passing through the area and transported them in two military vehicles to a police station and military base in Ye Town.
A local resident said at least ten detainees have since been released after their parents or guardians paid a minimum of 30 lakh kyats. However, several others remain in detention.
“Whenever they enter the village, they demand large sums of money. When that money runs out, they return again and arrest more villagers. It’s like robbery. Local people pay because they only want their relatives to be released,” the resident said.
According to locals, junta troops have frequently carried out military operations in the Hparlein area not only for security purposes but also to extort money from residents.
A local woman said some detainees were released without injuries, while others had been beaten while in custody.
“One middle-aged man was beaten so badly that his face was barely recognizable. He was beaten to the point that people could hardly identify him. It wasn’t because his family couldn’t pay, he was simply beaten,” she said.
On March 4, a military column of several hundred troops, accompanied by five military vehicles, reportedly advanced toward Duya Village and conducted inspections of local residents.
Junta troops based in Ye Township frequently launch operations in the Hparlein area, leading to repeated clashes with resistance forces. Residents also reported that soldiers have forcibly confiscated motorcycles and demanded money from civilians.
