According to a recently released political prisoner, over 100 of the approximately 240 political prisoners released from Lashio Prison during the fighting on July 28 in Northern Shan State have been reunited with their families by the Myanmar National Democratic Army (MNDAA).
Mong Aung Thet Oo, a political prisoner from Ta'ang who was released from Lashio Prison, mentioned that since the beginning of August, political prisoners have been gradually returning to their families. He noted that U Tun Tun Hein, a Central Executive member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), along with other political prisoners, remain in a secure location. "Uncle U Tun Tun Hein and other elderly individuals have been given private accommodations," he stated. "Uncle expressed his intention to join the opposition against the military junta. I believe he has communicated with NUG officials. The remaining political prisoners are being sent back in groups, and efforts are underway to contact their families and facilitate their return."
An individual involved in assisting political prisoners added, "We are coordinating with families to arrange the return of those from liberated areas like Namkhan, Namtu, and Lashio. For those from non-liberated areas, returning is challenging, so we are making arrangements as feasible."
During the intense conflict in Lashio City on July 28, over 2,000 prisoners, including 240 political detainees, were released from Lashio Prison. During the fighting, around 40 prisoners were killed, and more than 100 were injured by gunfire while attempting to escape after artillery shells struck the prison, according to reports from freed prisoners.
The fighting in Lashio resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians and the displacement of more than 250,000 residents. Since August 4, some residents have started returning to their homes and have been working on cleaning up the city, according to reports from local residents.
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