Dr. Aye Maung remanded in custody in Sittway prison

January 18, 2018

Dr. Aye Maung, a member of parliament who has been charged under the Unlawful Association Law for giving a talk at a literature session in Yathedaung, Rakhine State to mark the 233rd anniversary of the fall of the Rakhine Kingdom in Yathedaung Monday, has been remanded in custody in Sittway Prison.

The talk was organised by the May Yu Yin Thwe social service society at the Cedi Yingana Monastery in Taungyintan Ward, Yathedaung Township.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aye Maung said, “Burmese people consider Rakhine people as slaves and do not give equal rights to us. There are only two ways to regain our sovereignty. Some are taking armed struggle.”

Dr. Aye Maung urged the people to take advantage of the weakness of the government and to march towards the goal of Rakhine’s sovereignty.

He said the movement for liberty is being done by organising the people and undertaking armed struggle towards the goal.

This kind of talk is aimed at alerting the people to know the goal of the Rakhine people, and they are obliged to participate in it, said Dr. Aye Maung.

Writer Wai Hin Aung, who also spoke at the literary session on Monday, was detained two days later, authorities said.

The talk by Dr. Aye Maung was discussed at the Rakhine State Government’s cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, at which they decided to open a file in accordance with the law against the two men and others who were involved in organising the talk, authorities said.

Charges were filed on Tuesday evening at the Yathedaung Police Station against Dr. Aye Maung under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Law.

Dr. Aye Maung is a parliament representative elected from Ann township constituency of Rakhine state.

Violence occurred Tuesday night after a ban on literary talks at Nan Taw Yar Gon, an ancient site of the palace of the former Rakhine King in MraukU, to mark the anniversary event.

As many as 10,000 demonstrators gathered and marched to the Rakhine District Administration Office to lodge a protest which turned violent. Seven people were killed and 12 injured in clashes between demonstrators and the police.

Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar