The military council has arrested seven men from Maw Wan Ward in Hpakant, Kachin State, on allegations of supporting the PDF, according to local residents. A resident told KNG that approximately 50 troops from the military council arrived in military vehicles at Maw Wan Ward around 1 a.m. on March 13 and arrested seven men.

“I think they were arrested after receiving specific information. The arrested persons were arrested while they were living separately. It was learned that they were taken to the militarym tactical command center of the Hpakant,” he said.

Local residents have suggested that the arrest of the seven men from Maw Wan Ward may be related to the earlier arrest of Ko Wai Lone at the Wai Khar checkpoint on March 10.

“Two days ago, a person named Ko Way Lone was arrested in Wai Khar, and he was acquainted with the individuals who have been recently arrested. It is possible that there is a chain of arrests through that,” ‌another local resident commented.

When contacted about the arrest, the Hpakant Defense Force denied any connection between the seven arrested individuals and the revolutionary forces.

On March 11, the military council apprehended four alleged cadres belonging to KIA and PDF, along with five civilians who were planning to convene a meeting at the traditional culture office in Hparpyin village, Hpakant. According to residents, there has been a surge in civilian arrests in Hpakant this year, largely attributed to military informants.

Since January of this year, military council troops have been conducting raids on gem blocks in Hpakant township, in addition to carrying out widespread hunts and arrests in both Hpakant townships and villages.

The individuals who were arrested by the Military Council in Maw Wan Ward are identified as Ko Myo Thant (hairdresser), Ko Phoe Chan, U Phu Lam Khaing, U Chit Khaing, U Kyaw Myint, U Naung Naung (also known as U Phyo Kyaw), and U Aung Zeya.