Aung Htein — The Food Security Working Group (FSWG), a nongovernmental organisation involved in food security-related issues in Myanmar, has demanded the release of a man from Bu Shwe Maw village, Taungup Township, who was abducted last month.

U Than Shwe was taken by a group of knife-wielding men on May 5 while he was asleep at home, according to family members.

The 52-year-old serves as secretary of the FSWG’s Coastal Sub National Networks, which was formed to preserve a variety of agro/ecosystems in Arakan State and southern Chin State.

In a statement on June 6, the FSWG said colleagues are worried about the abductee because no information had yet been received as to his whereabouts or situation.

“He takes a leading role in philanthropic works and social activities without involving himself in political issues. We would like to urge the concerned party to release the abductee and send him to his family in a safe and healthy manner,” the FSWG said.

In an earlier statement, the Tatmadaw on May 5 alleged that U Than Shwe was kidnapped by members of the Arakan Army (AA).

DMG is opting not to reach out to the Arakan Army regarding U Than Shwe’s disappearance, because earlier this year the government began taking legal action against journalists and news outlets using the AA as a source in their reporting.  

U Maung Than, the younger brother of U Than Shwe, said he was concerned for the captive man’s safety as it had been a full month without any information about him.