SAGAING DIVISION- According to locals, a couple was arrested on Saturday (October 28) at around 2:00 p.m. in Katha Township for allegedly supporting the defense forces.
The arrested couple was residing at Zeya Chaung Ward 5, and three civilians were injured in the arbitrary opening of fire by junta troops at the time of the arrest.
“Junta police arrested a couple for allegedly being PDF supporters, opening fire during the arrest. The neighborhood was panicked, and about three locals were reportedly injured,” said a resident.
Other than the fact that the husband and wife were in their 30s and being arrested for supporting the defense forces, the media could not confirm the details separately.
On October 27, the Military Council announced Article 144 of the night curfew (restrict travel from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) since departmental buildings and staff homes in Katha township and villages were bombed.
In the statement, it is also mentioned that gathering people in Katha Town, arranging a public talk, using vehicles for public display or protest, and gathering events in public places are also prohibited.
“Yes, the military council recently issued Article- 144 ( to prevent people from gathering and curfew). Katha was not listed under martial law. Now they are issuing curfews and martial law in many cities nationwide after the incidences (resistance forces raiding the military camps) in the northern part of Shan State and Kawkareik regions.
In Katha, way before the curfew was issued, military troops had been conducting strict inspections in the town, and no one had been going out after 7 p.m. for a long time. Issuing Article 144 does nothing much to change, stated the locals.