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REPORT ON ARBITRARY ARREST AND EXTO



REPORTED BY PEOPLE DEFENCE FORCE
DATE: 25.10.97

REPORT ON ARBITRARY ARREST AND EXTORTION

On 16.10.97, a SLORC military column from IB 356 led by Major Zaw Lin Htun
entered the Kha-lae-saw and Na-Ain villages and forcibly took away all
cattle, animal husbandry and household commodities. Seven villagers were
also arrested and taken to their base. A ransom of 15000 Kyat per person was
demanded for their release.

On 18-10-97, a SLORC military column of Infantry Battalion 884 based at
Kya-in-seik-gyi, led by Captain Htun Htun Ohn, arrived at Kya-khat-gyaung
village. They arrested and took away 6 villagers; Saw Khae Doe, Saw Lay
Htoo, Saw Kyaw Kwae, Saw kwae Hmu, Saw Nay Gay, Saw Dae Mu to their
battalion base at Kya-in-seik-gyi. The commander told the villagers that
those arrested would be released only if a ransom of 48000 kyat per person
was paid.
 
The Karen villages in that township were accused by SLORC troops of
supporting KNU. Showing that excuse, these villagers have been under the
forced relocation, arbitrary arrests and extortion by SLORc troops.

To clear the 4th brigade area and also to build the Bone-ki to Tavoy
motor-road,  the following troops that were under the command of Tactical
Command 3 of LID No:66 were sent into the area. LIB 5, LIB 6, IB 14 arrived
Ka-htee-hta village on 10.10.97, IB 205 troops led by Lt-Col Win Htein
arrived Thu-kha border camp, IB 104 troops led by Lt-Col Thein Htay arrived
Min-tha-mee, Ka-laud-don, Ah-moe border camps. Troops from LIB 202 and IB
280 under LID 22 also arrived that area. 

The total strength of these troops was about 1000  and were accompanied by
about 500 forced porters.

Note: 
LIB means Light Infantry Battalion
IB means   Infantry Battalion
LID means Light Infantry Division


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