Namtu Locals Accuse RCSS/SSA of Detaining Villagers
Four men are allegedly being detained by the armed organization.
By NETWORK MEDIA GROUP (NMG)
Friday, August 3, 2018
Locals from Pang Kut village in northern Shan State’s Namtu Township have said that four members of their community are currently being detained by the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA).
Five Pang Kut villagers—a woman and four men—reportedly traveled to the Mansan market on July 31 when the men were allegedly picked up by RCSS/SSA soldiers on their way home.
“They were detained when they were returning from the market. The soldiers did not give any reason for the arrest, but just took them away,” a local source told NMG on the condition of anonymity. The same source alleged that similar incidents had occurred in the past, but that the individuals were released once the armed group came under local pressure.
NMG contacted the RCSS/SSA, but was not able to reach anyone for comment.
“The village headman has informed the respective administrative body about the detention. They have they demanded that the RCSS/SSA soldiers release the detained villagers,” another local told NMG. “Even though villagers have requested that soldiers release the detainees, they are still in custody.”
Area villagers said that two additional people had been questioned by the RCSS/SSA about the ethnic Ta’ang National Liberation Army on July 29, but were released.
Military tensions often occur among armed organizations in northern Shan state. Locals have said that they have faced difficulty traveling in the area and do not know to whom to ask for help.
