Two Villagers Still Missing After Arrest by Junta Troops in Yebyu, Others Released

April 23, 2025

Concerns are mounting in Yebyu Township as two villagers remain detained for over 10 days following their abduction by junta troops in early April—raising fears of forced disappearance and possible mistreatment. While most of those arrested in a recent military sweep have since been released, the whereabouts and wellbeing of the remaining two men are still unknown, according to local sources.

The two villagers still held in custody are U Than Than, approximately 50 years old, who runs a small food shop in Kyauk Hta Yan village, and Ko Naing Naing, a 40-year-old fisherman from Phyu Nat village.

“The soldiers said they needed U Than Than and Ko Naing Naing to guide them and then took them. They were taken all the way to the Mawrawaddy naval base. Since then, there’s been no word—they haven’t been released,” said a concerned resident of Kyauk Hta Yan.

The wave of arrests began on March 31, when a large junta column—comprising over 400 soldiers—entered Zar Dee, Kaung Pyan, and Dike Ta Kaw villages in Dawei District. Troops detained many residents, including at least 12 women and numerous elderly villagers. Though these individuals were released two days later, the fear and instability left behind have been lasting.

On April 7, the military retreated from Zar Dee and passed through Kyauk Hta Yan, where the two men were taken. That same morning, around 7:50 AM, another group of about 100 troops entered Phar Chaung Inn village, detaining approximately 20 locals from the area and surrounding villages. Most of them were released the next day.

Earlier, while occupying Zar Dee village, the junta also detained at least 10 villagers, including three from Kaung Pyan, who were freed on April 5.

Despite the lack of direct clashes, military vehicles have repeatedly entered Zar Dee village, creating an atmosphere of fear. On March 18, junta forces cut off both electricity and internet access in the area. When they returned in force on March 31, they told locals these services would only be restored if the residents returned—an act widely seen as coercive.

Due to these actions and the constant threat of arrest, thousands of villagers from Paya, Khway Ma Phaw, Zar Dee, Kaung Pyan, Dike Ta Kaw, and Kha Yin Chaung have fled their homes.

The extended detention of U Than Than and Ko Naing Naing without charge or access to their families raises serious concerns about inhumane treatment, interrogation under duress, or worse. Locals fear they may have been tortured or forcibly disappeared—yet, so far, there has been no transparency or accountability from the junta.

With more civilians being arbitrarily detained and communication cut in key areas, the humanitarian situation in Yebyu Township is becoming increasingly dire.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News