Family and friends of Salai Aung Soe, who has been detained by the Arakan Army (AA) for over three months, are concerned about his safety.
Many have called for AA, which is fighting with the Burma Army, to immediately release the Chin youth from Paletwa Township.
Mai Nang Wai, with the Khumi Affairs Coordination Committee (KACC), told Khonumthung News they released many statements requesting the ethnic armed organization (EAO) to safely return Salai Aung Soe. “He’s just a normal civilian. I understand that AA acts in accordance with the Geneva Conventions … They should release him as soon as possible. His family is worried about him.”
AA soldiers arrested Salai Aung Soe and three other youths near Nga Tha Rai village in Kyauktaw, Rakhine State, on July 29, while they were on their way to Paletwa. AA eventually released the three others unharmed but has retained Salai Aung Soe.
After such a long time in captivity, Mai Nang Wai said they’re concerned about Salai Aung Soe’s mental health.
Ko Yan Hnin told Khonumthung News that he could not understand why the EAO would want to detain his brother, who he said is a youth leader. “We want AA to release him as soon as possible.”
According to KACC, AA detained 105 civilians from Paletwa Township between 2015 and 2020. Twenty-two persons remain in custody.