According to family members, 154 youths who were arrested by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) during Operation 1027 in Northern Shan State have not yet been released.
On January 24th, Ta’ang civil society organizations requested the release of the youths detained by MNDAA, but they have not been released yet, and on March 13th, the Ta’ang civil society organizations issued another appeal letter.
“My nephew was one of those who were arrested in Kokang. He was arrested when he returned (his hometown) from Laukkai. This should not have happened. I am worried that there will be ethnic conflict in the future,” said a woman from Kutkai.
The arrested youths were returning from the towns of Lauk Kai, Konkyan, Chin Shwe Haw, and ‘Wa’ Mong Hsat in the Kokang region. They were arrested by the MNDAA forces at checkpoints in Sel Tan, Chin Shwe Haw, Tong Chain, Parsin Kyaw, Nam Tein, and Nam Tit.
According to local residents, most of the arrested youths are of the Ta’ang people, and other ethnic races are also included.
Therefore, the Ta’ang civil organizations requested in the the appeal letter to release the arrested people with a great attitude toward the unity and affection that already exist between the ethnic races that are members of the Brotherhood Alliance.
“There are five people who came to ask for help, and they still haven’t been released. The families are also worried. What I want to say is that when fighting the military dictator, you need to not become a dictator yourself. Isn’t what they are doing now an act of dictatorship?” said a young man from Lashio.
An escapee who wished to remain anonymous said that hundreds of people who returned to their hometowns during the Lauk Kai Battale were recruited as soldiers after being arrested by the Kokang Army (MNDAA).
“At that time, the battle was very close to the city. Three of our friends decided to go back. Then, when we arrived at the Namtein Gate, the Kokang checked us. They didn’t say anything. They took all our motorcycles and phones. We tried our outmost to run away,” he said.
Currently, the MNDAA is giving military training to the youth recruited as new soldiers and they were formed as the 7th Battalion.
Lee Kyar Win, the MNDAA Spokesperson, was questioned via Telegram about the recruitment of soldiers and youths arrested by the MNDAA, but he did not respond to anything.
After Operation 1027 in Northern Shan State, the MNDAA was able to control Lauk Kai, Chin Shwe Haw, Kunlong, Hsenwi, Konkyan, Hpawngseng, Ho Pang, and Mong Ko.