The Myanmar military seized a villager in Arakan State’s Ann Township on Tuesday morning, alleging that he had illegally transported Muslims, according to local residents.

Soldiers detained U Tin Ohn aka U Oak Aw, 55, from Htan Chaung village in Lone Kaung village-tract, for allegedly transporting Muslims from Nyaung Chaung to Htan Chaung.

U Than Hlaing, a 100-household administrator from Htan Chaung, said: “A major who was involved in the arrest said that he was arrested because he transported Muslims from Nyaung Chaung to Htan Chaung. When I said he didn’t do that, the major asked me if I could guarantee it. I said I could, but they seized him. I don’t know where he was taken to.”

Local residents who have spoken up in U Tin Oo’s defence say he is just a farmer.

“He was taken by soldiers; we don’t know which military unit they belong to,” said Daw Tin Mar Cho, the wife of U Tin Ohn. “My two sons went to Ann town to search for him. He has not transported any Muslims. I am worried that he might be beaten by soldiers.”

Htan Chaung is located some eight miles from Ann town, and has about 100 households.

Most Muslims in Arakan State are denied freedom of movement. Due to draconian restrictions imposed by successive governments, they cannot travel freely within or outside of Arakan State.

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Caption: U Tin Ohn