Civil Society Groups Demand MNDAA Release Detained Protesters
16 February, 2026
Shan civil society groups demanded today, February 15, that the remaining five civilians from among those protesting Chinese businessmen's gold mining operations be released from continued detention. These locals had opposed the mining activities in northern Shan State.
On February 1, 36 residents from Mansai village tract in Namhpaung area, Lashio Township, were arrested by MNDAA and Chinese business operators during the protest, with only 31 subsequently freed, leaving the five still in custody amid ongoing calls for their release.
“As a revolutionary group that fought the junta, it’s upsetting to see them abusing civilians like the military. We demand their immediate release to prevent more unwanted problems,” Shan Students’ Union spokesperson Ma Yain Mway Lwan told PRM.
Chinese gold mining business operators brought machinery onto farmlands in Mansai village, prompting local residents to stage a protest and oppose the activities, during which MNDAA troops arrested 35 locals who participated in the demonstration.
On February 2, MNDAA released 27 of the detained civilians, and from the remaining nine, four who had sustained severe injuries were additionally freed last week, while MNDAA continues to hold the other five in custody.
“The gold business owners and MNDAA arrived in the village and argued with villagers before arresting them. They had weapons when they arrested them. The four released last week had injuries that are very worrying. We have no contact with the detained people,” Ma Yain Mway Lwan continued.
PRM has been attempting to contact MNDAA spokesperson Li Ka Wing to ascertain the location where the detained civilians are being held, but no response has been received yet.
Shan civil society organizations—including Dai Youth Congress, SL&CC-Universities Of Yangon, Tai Students' Union, Tai National Community, Tai Youth Network, Tai Youth Organization, Tai Youth Network Japan, Global Shan Network, Shan American Community, Hsai Leng Mai, and Shan State Farmers Network—have demanded the release of the protesting civilians.
These groups expressed extreme concern for the health and safety of the five remaining detainees, stating that true sovereignty over Shan State belongs solely to the Shan people.
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