Police Major Than Oo from Myitkyina Township Police Force filed charges against the two protest leaders for violating Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law by leading around 700 protesters during the protest march from Manau Ground to Thakhin Nat Phay Street and Sumprabum Street without informing the authorities on May 3.

“They wanted to file three charges against us, but there was lack of evidence for the other two charges so we were charged under the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law. No matter what law we have been charged with, we will face it,” said Ma Sut Seng Htoi, in-charge of the youth protest camp.

According to Ko Lum Zawng, he heard about the preparations made by the Tatmadaw’s Northern Command to file charges against them on behalf of the regional commander but no official announcement has been made so far.

The government has filed charges against the protest leaders for leading the protests and praying ceremonies in Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Taunggyi and other areas for the release of the displaced residents in the Kachin State.

The government released over 150 displaced residents in Lai Nawng Hku area a week after the youths protested for the release of the trapped civilians.

Kachin youths from various areas, who gathered at the Manau Ground, have returned home on May 9 morning.

Ko Lum Zawng said the protest camp has only been temporarily shut down and it will be reopened if there is a need.

Over 2,000 civilians have been trapped in the mountain for over three weeks due to the fighting in Awng Lawt in Tanai Township and some of them are living at the Christian IDP camps in Myitkyina, Namti, and Tanai after their release.