Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — The Myanmar junta and its allied forces have intensified the crackdown on local residents in Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State amid heightened tensions between the junta forces and the Arakan Army fighters. At least 50 people were arrested between 7 and 18 March.

The Sittwe residents have been targeted every day. Two individuals namely U Shwe Win (from Thae Chaung Rakhine village) and Shu Gu (from Korim Pik Muslim village) were recently arrested.

Shwe Win was arrested by seven police officers from Mingan police station who arrived at his residence. Later he was shifted to Sittwe police station on next morning.

Similarly, Shu Gu was picked up from his residence in Sittwe locality.

On the night of 18 March,  25 police officers arrested 10 Muslim men from  Baudufa relief camp, as they were on daily patrol to Baudufa, Ohn Taw Chey, Si Pang Gyi and Ba Rakone (Muslim) relief camps.

Local Muslims alleged that they were released after demanding Kyats 200,000 from  each individual.

The military commission earlier arrested  35 men including 21 Muslimsfrom Baudufa relief camp in Sittwe, 10 Hindus from the Sattaung (2) relief camp, one  man from Inbari Ywa Gyi Muslim village, one from Ala Thin Muslim village, one from Da Paing Ywa Thit Muslim village and one man from Khu Tin Pik Muslim village.

Ko Maung Buya (28) was arrested from Khu Tin Pik Muslim village on 11 March. He was allegedly  tied up and tortured all night, said a local Muslim.

Mas Saw Lim, who was arrested from Ala Thin Muslim village on 10 March,  was forcibly conscripted into the militia.

On 9 March, 10 Hindu men were arrested without cause and later they were forced to attend military training by the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP).

The locals alleged that they were forced to attend the ALP training, but the party is yet to respond to the allegation.