Three detained on suspicion of involvement in landmine explosion

Three people including the brother-in-law of Khaing Thukha, information officer of the Arakan Army (AA), have been detained and questioned on suspicion of involvement in targeting Tatmadaw vehicles with landmines, Colonel Win Zaw Oo from Western Command military headquarters told DMG.

Tatmadaw vehicles struck landmines near AungThapyay @ Dat Taw village at Tan Tin village-tract in Ann Township, Arakan State, last month. Colonel Win Zaw Oo said the three people were being questioned in relation to the case.

“Our administrative vehicles traveled near Dat Taw village last month when we encountered landmines. Police suspect the men so they held them for questioning. The Tatmadaw didn’t [detain them],” said Colonel Win Zaw Oo.

U Maung Phyu Than – the brother-in-law of Khaing Thukha – has been questioned since July 6 together with U San Aung Kyaw and U Ye Baw.

Khaing Thukha said the AA did not have any link with the men and he thought they had been unfairly targeted.

“They don’t have any link with us and the mine explosion isn’t connected with them either. It has been more than 30 years since I’ve not had any contact with my family. That’s why I think it is unfair to arrest these civilians,” Khaing Thukha said.

Colonel Win Zaw Oo refused to reveal where the three people are being detained and questioned.