Tai (Shan) Students’ Union (TSU) has called for the release of 9 villagers arrested by the Kokang ethic armed group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) for protesting gold mining in Wanse Village, Lashio Township, northern Shan State.

On February 4, TSU called for the release of 9 villagers who have been detained since February 3.

Chinese businessmen mined gold near Wanse Village with approval but without consulting the local community, prompting villagers to protest.

The MNDAA arrested 36 locals following protests by hundreds of villagers that began on February 1.

Of those arrested, 27 have been released, while 9 remain in custody, and 3 of the detainees are believed to be in life-threatening condition, the TSU said.

Video footage circulating online shows Kokang soldiers beating a handcuffed local man.

The TSU accused the MNDAA of pressuring local administrators not to share the incident on social media, warning them of punishment if they did.

In addition, the MNDAA commander rode in a vehicle equipped with a machine gun, making a show of force in the village.

In its statement, the TSU also condemned the forcible confiscation of local agricultural land for gold mining and the arrest of innocent villagers.

Under pressure from China, the MNDAA handed Lashio City back to the junta, but it remains deployed in Lashio Township and continues resource extraction.