Scores of Muslims arrested in Yangon to be tested for COVID-19 before further action taken

By Myo Thiri Kyaw 07 Jan 2021

Myo Thiri Kyaw | DMG
7 January 2021, Sittwe

Ninety-nine Muslims who were arrested on January 6 in Shwepyithar Township, Yangon Region, will be tested for COVID-19 and are currently under quarantine at the University of Computer Studies in Shwepyithar, local lawmaker U Yan Aung Min told DMG.

“Action will be taken against them, or not, depending on the decision of the regional government,” he said.

U Yan Aung Min said the 99 detained Muslims cannot speak Burmese properly, so they arrived in Yangon thanks to individuals who arranged transportation for them.

The Muslims — 26 men and 73 women — are from Arakan State’s Mrauk-U Township and they illegally entered Yangon Region via Ann Township, he said, with their ultimate destination being Malaysia, where they hoped to work.

Police Sub-Lieutenant Sithu Aung from Shwepyithar Myoma police station said the Muslims were arrested at two houses in the township after police questioned a man who was found wandering the streets of a Shwepyithar ward.

“We do not know how he arrived here. We are still investigating him. And, it is early yet to tell what we will do against him,” he said.