Ko Shwe Myeik

Myanmar junta troops arrested some Muslim residents celebrating Qurbani Eid, which falls on 29 June, in Kan Khaung Ward, where most Muslims are living in Myeik Township, Tanintharyi Region, and extorted money from them, according to Myeik residents.

The military regime reportedly arrested about five Muslim people who were celebrating the holy traditional Eid festival, on the pretext of slaughtering cows in their houses.

A Kan Khaung Ward resident said, “The main reason for the arrest is that cows are only allowed to slaughter in the mosque, but they were slaughtered at home due to the space constraints.”

According to Myeik residents, in addition to the Kan Khaung Ward, the regime also searched in the Zaytan and Parami Wards.

“About four or five men were arrested. We do not know where they were taken. Both men and cows were seized during the arrest. Cows are not allowed to be slaughtered at homes. However, it is a usual thing to slaughter cows in houses near the mosque. Only this year, they were arrested,” said a Muslim living in the Zaytan Ward. 

Currently, the junta troops asked for 200,000 to 300,000 Kyat each to release those arrested, the resident stated.

Mizzima is still investigating whether the junta released those who were arrested.