On the afternoon of 25 January, the Burma Army arrested 13 civilians in Hakha town, the capital of Chin State.
The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) reported that seven of those arrested were released on January 27, but six people are still being held in the detection centre.
Earlier on 25 January, a clash broke out between the Hakha Chinland Defense Force (Hakha CDF) and the Burma Army in Kyaw Bok ward of Hakha town.
At least two Burma Army soldiers were killed during the clash. Following the clash, Burma Army soldiers destroyed three civilian houses which were located near the location of the clash, and arrested 13 civilians.
“After that clash, the Burma Army destroyed nearby civilian houses, and arrested some people from a house. Later on, the Burma Army soldiers arrested more people at a military checkpoint,” CHRO Director Salai Za Uk Ling (source 1) told Khonumthung news. He added, “As far as we know, the soldiers arrested a total of 13 people on 25 January.”
Salai Za Uk Ling said CHRO learned that seven young people, who are under 16 years old, were released in the afternoon of 27 January, but they have not received any information about the other six people remaining in the detention center.
“Destroying civilian houses and arresting civilians are serious human rights abuses,” said Salai Za Uk Ling (source 1).
There is a Burma Army checkpoint set-up in Kyaw Bok ward, which is located on the Hakha to Matupi vehicle road.
After the military coup, it has been common for Burma Army soldiers to demand money from travelers at the Kyaw Bok ward checkpoint.