IRRAWADDY DIVISION- At least ten Rakhine IDPs have been arrested by the military council and the administrative forces in Yaykyi Township, according to people close to them.
On December 22, war refugees from Rakhine were arrested for allegedly being connected with the Arakan Army (AA). These refugees were residents of Gwa Town, Rakhine State.
Due to the fighting between the military council and the AA in Gwa, many residents of Gwa and Thandwe fled to the Irrawaddy side.
“They have been fleeing war. They are civilians. They had no communication or connection with any armed group. Those people are merely fleeing the war as their lives are in danger. As they are IDPs and have no wrongdoing, I wish them to be released as soon as possible,” said a close family friend.
IDPs from Rakhine taking refuge in Irrawaddy (Division) are being searched and evicted by the Junta-appointed administrators.
“Unlike Yaykyi Town, Rakhine IDPs are searched and questioned in Pathein District and even got detained. Some were released after paying bribes but others did not escape. The Ward administrators also charge a lot of money for the guest list and are not allowed to stay long-term. They asked Rakhine IDPs to move to other places, “said a Rakhine IDP who is currently staying at Pathein.
On the morning of November 16th, 5 Rakhine IDPs who sought refuge in Sawpyaw Village, Yaykyi Township were reportedly detained.
On November 12, five Rakhine people were arrested in Ngaputaw Township, Ngayoke Kaung Town by the Military Council troops. On December 8th, 20 war refugees fleeing Rakhine State were arrested by military council forces near Ngayoke Kaung town in Pathein. It is learned that at least 60 Arakan refugees have been arrested so far in the Irrawaddy region.
