Mahn Nyein Maung, a senior Karen National Union (KNU) leader, was arrested in Burma in mid-August and is believed to be under interrogation by government authorities, according to a close aide.

Mahn Nyein Maung visited China [from Thailand] at the end of July for two weeks. Travelling with a Burmese passport, he was denied entry into Thailand by immigration when he landed back in the Kingdom for not having the correct paper work. A a result he was deported back to China where he was again refused entry by immigration there because his Chinese visa had been cancelled when he left the country.

Between 21 and 23 of July, he was deported back and forth between the two countries three times.

Mahn Nyein Maung’s aide who attempted to assist him said Chinese authorities deported him to Burma on the 24 July.

“So he bouncing back and forth between the two countries and was finally deported to Rangoon from Kunming,” said the aide who wished to remain anonymous. He said that he learnt that Mahn Nyein Maung is currently being interrogated by Burmese authorities.

“He was first detained by the immigration and then sent to Aungthabyay interrogation centre which later transferred him to Mingalardon township Police Station,” he said.

Rangoon International Airport, regional military offices and Mingalardon police station refused to comment when contacted by DVB and instead suggested inquiring with the Immigration Department. The Immigration Department was unreachable.

Mahn Nyein Maung is a permanent member of the KNU’s Central Committee and executive member of United Nationalities Federal Council and joint-secretary of the National Democratic Front.

The reason for his visit to China was unknown.

Mahn Nyein Maung was a former inmate of Koko Island prison camp prior to his involvement with the KNU. He and another inmate managed to escape from the island and were rearrested.