Local residents report that in Maden Yang (Hmaw Bon) village of Hpakant Township, the Military Council has released the majority of the nearly 200 civilians who were arrested.
However, around 70 individuals remain detained on suspicion of having ties to the KIA, and some of those detained were reportedly killed.
According to a local resident, on April 21, a significant number of Military Council troops suddenly invaded Maden Yang (Hmaw Bon) village, resulting in the arrest of several civilians. While many of the detainees were released on April 26 and April 27, approximately 70 individuals remain in custody, with claims that they have connections to the KIA and PDF.
“ Although many have been released, some remain in custody. Those who were arrested were
found to have KIA/KIO calendars and flags in their homes, while others were detained on suspicion of being affiliated with KIA. Some of them are unable to reach their families,” said a local man.
The resident further stated that of the 70 individuals who are currently in custody, some have been granted permission to communicate with their family members and receive food, while others have been denied minimal rights,and are unable to contact their loved ones or receive food.
“ Some young people from various regions came to search for jade and formed groups of five or ten. They suspected some of them to be PDF members and subjected them to beatings and interrogations. I was informed that 5 or 6 of them were killed during the interrogation, but I do not know their identities. It is highly likely that they were killed," recounted another Hpakant local participating in the revolution.
However the KNG has not yet been able to independently verify the reports of the killings.
Military Council troops dressed the captured locals in military uniforms and forced them to act as human shields on the front lines.
The Military Council arrested around 80 civilians from Longkhin village on April 29 and released them the following day, cautioning them against involvement with the KIA and PDF.
