The military council forces have arrested Ko Maung Maung, a gem trader residing in Panhtaw Ward, Sagaing City, Sagaing Region, after forcefully entering his home. The incident occurred on May 22 at approximately 4:22 PM when Pyu Saw Htee members from Takawng Ward, along with the military council-appointed administrator Myint Zaw, arrived in five vehicles and conducted the arrest inside Ko Maung Maung’s residence. According to the People’s Defense Force spokesperson, the 35-year-old gem trader was arrested after he had participated in distributing aid supplies to earthquake victims. The arrest was reportedly triggered by complaints about the absence of mosquito nets in the distributed aid packages.
The spokesperson expressed concern that instead of being taken to the police station or Infantry Division 33, Ko Maung Maung might be transported to the hillside where Pyu Saw Htee groups are stationed. There are serious concerns about potential torture and threats to his life if this is the case. Additionally, on May 23 at approximately 11:30 AM, military council troops and Pyu Saw Htee members conducted another operation in Makyisin Ward, Sagaing City, where they forcefully entered homes and arrested five young people in their twenties.
The five youth were reportedly arrested for forced porter duty, with approximately twenty personnel arriving in three vehicles to conduct the arrests. Currently, the detainees are believed to be held either at the General Administration Office or at Infantry Division 33. According to local sources, the exact identities of the arrested youth remain unknown due to travel restrictions in the area making it difficult to gather detailed information. The ongoing situation has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local residents, who are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of those arrested.
