Seven residents arrested by junta troops in Ywangan Township, southern Shan State, remain in detention with no information about their whereabouts, according to local sources.

In mid-October, five men were arrested, followed by two more in the first week of November. All of the detainees are believed to be in their 40s, residents said.

A woman from Nwar Ban village told SHAN that the arrests occurred without warning.

“We heard that soldiers entered their homes and took them away. It has been about six days since the arrests, and we still don’t know why. They weren’t involved in politics — they were just ordinary people living quietly. We have no idea why the military came for them,” she said.

Similarly, in Ta Pin Pyaw village, five villagers were detained around mid-October, and their families have received no updates since.

“It’s been about a month now. We don’t know the reason for their arrest. We heard rumors that they were given 10-year sentences, but we don’t know where they were taken. We can’t follow up — all we can do is worry,” another resident said.

Ta Pin Pyaw village tract is an area where junta troops are stationed, and soldiers reportedly conduct daily patrols into nearby forests and mountains.

At least five village administrators have been assassinated in Ywangan Township this year. Following the most recent killing of a village administrator and a civilian in Kyauk Pi Zat village, junta troops have imposed strict movement controls.

Residents told SHAN that travel is not allowed without a recommendation letter, and those granted permission are required to return within a set time specified by the military.

Armed groups active in Ywangan Township include junta troops, the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia, the Danu State National Defense Army (DSNDA), and local Ywangan People’s Defense Force (PDF) units.