Family members of the Police Force held by Arakan Army (AA) are eager to know whether those being held captive are alive or not, and requested those concerned to do what needs to be done, according to a press conference held on August 16 in the Mandalay Media Centre. 

According to the family members, the press conference was held in order to request the status of those that have been captured and for the government to do more in the rescue efforts.

According to Ma Shwe Zin, wife of Aung Ko Min, member of the police force and AA’s captives, during the clash between AA armed group in Rakhine State on 29 May morning, “I, my child and another woman, my husband, the deputy chief of police and five policemen were taken into custody and taken away. Halfway to a place nearby we were given Ks40,000 each. The next morning we were handed back to the headquarters of Setipyin. I hope that the men will be released.” 

Since it has been about 10 months since they had been taken on board the vessel Shwe Nadi, the fact that they had been captured while enroute to draw salary and to get their rations, and being captured at the Thazin Kyaing police outpost, they requested that correct information be given them. 

The request the authorities concerned they wish to get in contact with those held captive as they have not received their salaries since they were captured, and that only a small amount of relief fund had been given them monthly, and that the family is facing difficulties. The family members are said that they would request the help of all the departments concerned in this regard.