Aung Htein - The number of women charged under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law or related legislation amid ongoing conflict between the military and the Arakan Army has reportedly risen to at least five.

Facing terrorism charges in war-torn Arakan State, three of the women are from Kyaukphyu Township and one each is from Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw townships. In addition, a woman from Kamar village in Arakan State’s Taungup Township has been detained by the military.

“Women will likely encounter many problems in their daily life. This kind of situation can pose a threat to women in Arakan State,” said Saw San Nyein Thu, chairperson of the Rakhine Women’s Initiative Organization.

Last week, the military brought a case against two vendors and a local artiste from Yay Nan Dwein village in Kyaukphyu Township under Section (j) and Section (a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

In May, a 42-year-old woman identified as Daw Ma Than from Ponnagyun town was arrested by the military while selling tea near Myoma Market and was charged under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.  

And last year in April, a woman from Kyauktaw Township was detained, with the accused facing charges under Section 17(1) and (2) of the Unlawful Associations Act. She walked free in January 2020 after more than seven months behind bars.

At a press conference on July 25, Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun from the Tatmadaw True News Information Team said anyone involved in unlawful conduct would have warranted action taken against them, regardless of gender.

“We don’t distinguish between men or women when conducting military operations against the enemy,” he said. “People, whether men or women, will have action taken against them in accordance with the law if they are found guilty.”

Clashes in western Myanmar have flared with regularity since late 2018, and the number of civilians arrested over suspected links to the Arakan Army continues to rise.