KACHIN STATE- According to the residents of Saitaung, the military council troops arrested three civilians at the security gate at Saitaung village bridge in Hpakant Township.
A man who lives in Saitaung reported that the 50-strong military council forces conducted a blockade at the gate of Saitaung Bridge at around 3:00 p.m. on May 1, and arrested three civilians.
“The inspection didn’t take long. Three (suspicious) men were arrested and taken to Saitaung Police Hill. Further contact and details could not be verified, but junta troops were said to have retreated,” said the man.
It can be estimated that the three civilians who got arrested are between the ages of 30 and 40, but their identities are not known yet, he added.
On May 1, the military council forces mainly checked motorcycles, cars, and cell phones, and three civilians may have been arrested on suspicion, according to locals.
In addition, on April 30, there was an incident where the defense forces arrested a deputy police chief from Saitaung Police Station who was transferring money at a money transfer and withdrawal shop in Saitaung Village.
That’s why the junta troops may have made an inspection and arrest at the bridge gate, said a man from Saitaung village.
“I think the inspection happened due to the incident on the previous day. Junta troops came suddenly and arrested the passersby. After they have returned, I heard one or two shots of heavy weapons,” said the villager.
After the coup d’état in Hpakant Township, military council police officers, policemen, fire personnel, and administrators were arrested (by resistance forces), and civilians were arrested by the junta.