RNDP official detained by police over Thandwe violence

RNDP official detained by police over Thandwe violence

Published on Friday, 04 October 2013 18:32

A damaged building in Pauktawwa village in Thandwe (Photo:EMG)

Myanmar police have detained 11 ethnic Rakhines including the chairman of the Rakhine National Development Party (RNDP) for Thandwe Township on October 2 and 3, after a spate of attacks in Rakhine State.

Saw Hlaing, also known as Maung Pu, the RNDP chairperson for the riot-hit Thandwe Township, was detained by police along with another 5 ethnic Rakhines belonging to an organisation aimed at safeguarding race and religion.

The party has said no one knows where the detainees are being held.

The police detained 5 more Rakhine ethnics on suspicion being connected to the violence that happened last week in the area, killing 6 people - including a 60-year-old grandmother - and injuring 4.

"The police did not have the arrest warrant and the detainees can be held only up to 24 hours according to the Constitution," said Upper House MP Dr Aye Maung, chairperson of the RNDP.

"The police took a total of six people including Maung Pu and those from other organisation at 11pm on October 2. Our party accepts that the police can keep them for interrogation within 24 hours according to the Constitution," said Dr Aye Maung, chairperson of the RNDP.

Rakhine State chief minister and officials visit riot-hit villages (Photo:EMG)

Riots in Thandwe Township started on September 28, but Maung Pu was in Yangon until September 30 to attend a meeting between Rakhine families and Parliament Speaker Shwe Man. The reason for detaining Maung Pu is not known yet, according to Oo Hla Saw, general secretary of RNDP.

"Last night, six people from downtown were detained. Today, 5 more people from Thabyuchaing Village were held. Seven people who were detained in the event have been released on bail. [Authorities] are preparing to question other people at the court. It is not known which charges will be applied," said Myint Moe, a local from Thandwe Township.

The five people detained on October 3 were Khin Maung Than, Phoe La Pyae, Aung Min Than, Tin Aung Win and Kan Gyi Aung. RNDP said it will soon release a statement regarding the arrests.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/04/rndp-official-detained-by-police-over-thandwe-violence/