Myanmar junta arrests 40 civilians in Hakha after resistance ambush

Photo: Locals waiting to get their passports done at the Hakha passport office. A total of 40 locals returning from church and those working at a tea shop were arrested by the military council on August 3. (Chin Post)

Mizzima

The junta army has arrested at least 40 civilians in Hakha, Chin State, following an ambush by local resistance forces, according to the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) and the Chin Defence Force-Hakha (CDF-Hakha).

The arrests took place on the afternoon of 3 August, targeting people returning from church and others at a tea shop in town. Those detained remained in custody as of 5 August without being released.

CHRO said most of those arrested were young men, although the exact number, gender, and ages have not been confirmed. CDF-Hakha Secretary General Zar Kyone Lian also verified the detentions.

The crackdown came after a 2 August ambush, when CDF-Hakha attacked two military vehicles carrying junta soldiers and policemen around 9 pm near the CB Bank in Pyidawthar Ward. The next day, junta troops carried out retaliatory arrests across Hakha.

“We received reports of thieves and robbers operating at night, so our forces were on patrol when we encountered the junta’s convoy. Whenever these incidents occur, the regime’s strategy is to punish civilians, especially the youth,” said Zar Kyone Lian.