The situation turned tense in Kyauk Taw Township of Rakhine State following the arrest of two Arakan Army members and one civilian by the junta forces.

The militaries, stationed at ancient Maha Muni Pagoda of the township, picked up two AA members and one civilian whom is confirmed to be U Maung Saw Tha.

They were arrested from the Daw Sein's restaurant near north gate of the pagoda at around 12 noon yesterday, said an eyewitness.

“The AA members were eating food at the restaurant. First the army personnel interrogated them and checked their phones. Later we saw, they were taken away towards the pagoda,” said the eyewitness, while talking to  Narinjara News.

A shopkeeper near the temple informed that the arrested AA members and the civilian were taken away by a car towards Sakakha no 9 military operation headquarters in the locality.

A resident near the pagoda disclosed that the situation turned tense in their area after the arrest as military vehicles started moving. Many soldiers have been deployed in the area and they are checking the civilians in front of the pagoda.

"We are not receiving phone calls now as the militaries are checking everyone near the pagoda including pilgrims and pedestrians,” he added.

However, the highway road is not yet closed and the restaurants, other shops near the temple remain open.