CJ / Kantarawaddy Times
In Loikaw, Karenni State, which is currently under the control of the military junta, soldiers have been frequently arresting young people, and detainees are only released after their guardians pay between 30 to 50 lakh kyats, according to local residents.
“Before Thingyan, three youths were arrested. One was released immediately, but the remaining two had to pay 5 million kyats each to be released,” said a woman from Kyi Thar Yar ward.
Witnesses said the three youths were arrested simply for wearing black face masks while walking on the street, which made them appear suspicious. Each of them had to pay 5 million kyats (50 lakh) for their release, along with providing one sack of rice and a container of cooking oil.
Similarly, on the day after Thingyan Atat (day of ascent) which is on April 17, a group of military soldiers, around 15 members, went door-to-door arresting youths who had been involved in a fight during the festival on April 16.
“I saw them being beaten and then handcuffed. When I asked nearby people, they said it was because of verbal insults, though I don’t know exactly what was said. Arresting them like this is not acceptable,” said a Loikaw resident who witnessed the incident.
The arrests were carried out by ward administrators and members of a militia group dressed in blue uniforms, without the involvement of police or regular military forces. It remains unclear what actions were taken against those detained.
On April 19, at around 8 p.m., two young men from Nam Baw Wam ward were also arrested by soldiers in civilian clothes who arrived in a civilian vehicle, according to eyewitnesses.
“I saw the soldiers take away two young men who were playing games. I informed their families. Later that night, when the families tried calling them, their phones were already switched off,” said a man from the same ward.
Family members initially searched for the two youths at the Loikaw police station but were told they were not being held there. After further searching at military bases, they were eventually found at one battalion, where they had to pay 3 million kyats for their release, according to a source.
Residents say they are increasingly worried, as arbitrary arrests of young people in Loikaw have become more frequent throughout March.
