Four civilians, including a relative of the elected National League for Democracy party members of parliament, were arbitrarily arrested by the military council in Pindaya township, Danu Autonomous Region, southern part of Shan State, according to a local source.

The military council has been conducting raids in Pindaya town and villages since December 29.

“Five military vehicles raided the house of a couple who were the relatives of the selected parliament member of the Pindaya township last night in TaungShwePaHtoe village. Nothing happened in the village. The man was beaten and interrogated as if he were a relative. They also took away their phones and other items, ” a local said.

In addition, one person from Yephyu village, one from Kyauktaw and one from Sinkaung village were arbitrarily arrested by the military council that night.

“Arresting civilians are rising in Pindaya town. We do not know why they are arresting us. It’s kind of arbitrarily arrested. Yesterday, seven military trucks blocked a market in Pindaya and beat one person. At night, the whole city was patrolled by military vehicles. Informers and plainclothes soldiers were busy in Pindaya town this morning, ”a resident said .

More than 100 villagers have been arrested by the military council in connection with the clearing operation of a military appointed administrator by local defense forces in Nwarbankyi village, YwaNgan township on December 22.

Five local defense groups based in southern Shan State announced on December 28 that they would launch a joint operation with local revolutionary organizations.