A few youths were arrested in Pekon township end of September and early October this year, and they have been kept in Taung Laylone prison, Nyang Shwe township, Southern Shan State. Their family members are not permitted to see the detainees.

According to a Pekon township resident, at least 7 youths were arrested with the accusation of associating with People’s Defense Force (PDF) after a clash in Kong Tha (Koongsar) village, Pekon (Paikhun) township on September 30, 2021.

“They arrested local youngsters in our area. They took 7 people after the conflict in Kong Tha village. Some are 18 or 19 years old. These people have been accused of being the members of PDF forces. So far, around 50 people have been taken away from our area,” the Pekon resident told SHAN.

Family members expressed concerns over the arrests because no information has been provided, and they are not allowed to see their loved ones. All the detainees are believed to be kept in Taung Laylone prison.

According to the volunteer who is helping prisoners in the prison,” There are about 51 people from Pekon. None of them is permitted to see their relatives. They do not have blankets to keep them warm. Their families requested us to help them.”

Burma army has sent more troops into Mobye, Pekong township, Southern Shan State and Loikaw, Karenni State. Ongoing clashes between joint forces of local PDF and Karenni Nationalities Defense Force and Burma army have been reported, which resulted many people being displaced.