More than 200 soldiers reportedly raided Lay Kay Kaw town, territory of the Karen National Union located south of Myawaddy town in Kayin State, on December 14, arresting a former MP and civil servants who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

The junta forces entered the town on Tuesday morning and conducted regional clearance operations, which included interrogations of locals, a resident told DMG.

“More than 200 soldiers checked door-to-door early in the morning. They asked if we were pro-NUG [National Unity Government]. They asked if there are striking civil servants and PDF [People’s Defence Force] members,” the resident said.

About 60 people were arrested, including U Htin Lin Kyaw, the National League for Democracy’s former MP from Myaungmya town in Ayeyarwady Region, a doctor and two civil servants, who are accused of joining the CDM, residents said.