Two monasteries associated with a prominent monk opposed to Myanmar’s military junta were raided in Mandalay’s Pyigyitagon Township late Saturday night, according to witnesses.
Around 50 regime forces, including some in plainclothes, took part in the raids on the Seittathukha and Thayetpin monasteries, people who were present at the time told Myanmar Now.
“They jumped over the fence and started searching the compounds of the two monasteries, which are located right next to each other,” said one witness who asked not to be identified.
“Ven. Agga Vamsa started at those monasteries,” he added, referring to a monk who has been wanted by the regime since he was charged with incitement a month after last year’s coup.
Two youths were reportedly tortured during the raids.
“They forced a young man from a social welfare group to get down on his knees and then kicked him in the ribs with their military boots. They also crushed his big toe with their boots and slashed him with scissors. They also slapped and beat a novice monk from Thayetpin monastery,” said the witness.
The man from the social welfare group is currently receiving treatment for his injuries at a local hospital, he added.
Myanmar Now was able to confirm that Ven. Agga Vamsa was not captured during the raids, which took place at around 10pm on Saturday.
“I am safe for now. This is not the first time they’ve tried to catch me. They also made random arrests when they couldn’t find me before, too,” said the monk, speaking by phone from an undisclosed location.
However, three protesters who took part in a strike organised by the monk earlier this month are currently in junta custody, he added.
“We still don’t have any news from them. They were in good health when they were arrested, but we’re worried that they may have been tortured while under interrogation. We’re worried for their lives, in fact,” said Ven. Agga Vamsa.
The arrested protesters were identified as Khaing, 40, Thant Zin, 30, and Zar Chi, 40.
