A police lance corporal stationed in Kyauktaw police outpost, and his wife, have been missing for one week and their family members are worried that they have become hostages, sources said.

The couple went missing after they went to the market on November 22.

There were rumours that they had been arrested but no one had contacted their family members for a week now, said their family members.

“A girl from my neighbourhood heard about my son and his wife. I saw it on the social network. A police officer said they were arrested at the Kyauktaw market. The officer questioned me about them. They told me to inform them if he came back. If they were taken, I want them to be released without any danger,” said Yin Kyi, mother of the missing lance corporal.

He was transferred from No.2 Pyay police station to Kyauktaw about three months ago while his wife had only arrived in Kyauktaw one or two days before they went missing. They married in 2017 and she is still in her first year at the Pyay University, according to family members.

“The police station where he was on duty didn’t inform us about his disappearance. Even parents will be notified if students didn’t come to school. We are worried about him. Our family members have been part of the police since our ancestors. If they've died, we want them to be buried as per traditional customs,” said Aye Aye Myint, a cousin of the missing girl.

Rumours had spread on social media that they were arrested but no one is sure whether they were actually missing or dead.

Authorities need to tell them openly, said family members.

The Daily Eleven contacted one police official in Kyauktaw Township police station but no reply was received so far.