Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Supreme Court to hear army unlawful arrest case

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Tuesday, 07 February 2012 12:04 Zaw Shan

New Delhi (Mizzima) – The case of a Kachin woman who went missing after her arrest by government troops will be heard by the Burmese Supreme Court on Thursday. 

The proceedings were brought by Zawng Hkawng of Momauk Township, the husband of Sumlut Roi Ja, after she was arrested by troops from Light Infantry Unit No. 321 on October 28, 2011. She has been missing since her arrest.

The lawsuit was filed on January 28, said attorney Markhar, who represents Zwang Hkawng.

“The Light Infantry No. 321 is based in Loi Je. We filed the lawsuit in order to obtain the release of the woman who was arrested illegally. Both sides will testify,” Markhar told Mizzima. He said the husband is now in hiding for his security, but he will appear at the Supreme Court on the day of the hearing.

He said Sumlut Roi Ja, a resident of Hkai Bang village, Momauk Township, was on her way to work on a farm with her husband and her father when government soldiers from Light Infantry Unit No. 321 arrested them, alleging that they worked in intelligence for the Kachin Independence Army. Sumlut Roi Ja’s husband and father were able to escape on the day of their arrest.

The Supreme Court has summoned members of Light Infantry No. 321 to appear to testify.

“On that day, they will have to explain why they arrested her. If they say she is dead, they will be prosecuted for murder,” lawyer Markhar said.

A related lawsuit involving the unlawful arrest of Brang Seng and Zau Seng from Tarlawgyi village by Infantry Unit No. 37 will be heard by the Supreme Court on the same day.         

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