Myanmar junta imprisons two Islamic teachers and seizes mosque in retaken Nawnghkio

What happened

Myanmar Now reports that the military junta sentenced two Islamic teachers, Hla Htwe and Soe Thein, to 11 years in prison and three years hard labour under the Counter-Terrorism Law related to alleged support for the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The sentences were handed down by the junta-controlled Kyaukme District Court on October 22. Alongside the prison terms, the court ordered the seizure of Nawnghkio’s mosque, which has been sealed off since the regime retook the town in mid-2025.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The arrests and mosque seizure followed the junta’s July 2025 operation to retake Nawnghkio from the TNLA and allied People’s Defence Force groups. The TNLA had captured the town in July 2024 during its Operation 1027 offensive, but announced a ceasefire in December 2024 under Chinese pressure. Despite this, the junta launched a counteroffensive in early 2025 and reclaimed Nawnghkio by mid-July. Following this, locals say the regime sealed the mosque, a Gurkha community guesthouse, and over 50 civilian homes, accusing them of harboring anti-junta forces.

The verdict has heightened concern among the Muslim community and resistance supporters. A local source confirmed preparations to appeal the mosque’s confiscation at the Shan State High Court, though Myanmar Now had not confirmed any official response from the All Myanmar Islam Religious Organisation by publication. The regime continues arrests in the area: earlier in October, 20 individuals alleged to be linked with armed groups including the TNLA and PDF were detained and sent to Obo prison in Mandalay.

Known from the source

• The military junta sentenced two Islamic teachers, Hla Htwe and Soe Thein, on October 22 at Kyaukme District Court.
• They received 11 years in prison and 3 years hard labour concurrently under Sections 50j and 52a of the Counter-Terrorism Law.
• Nawnghkio was retaken by the junta in July 2025 after being captured by the TNLA and PDF in July 2024.
• The mosque in Nawnghkio has been sealed off and ordered confiscated as state property.
• Locals confirm ongoing arrests of people accused of supporting resistance groups.

What remains unclear

Martial law remains in place in Nawnghkio, although it was lifted in nearby Kyaukme and Hsipaw recently. Since recapturing these towns, the junta has arrested locals and sealed homes and hotels under the Counter-Terrorism Law, citing alleged support for ethnic armed groups now designated as terrorist organisations. The TNLA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Arakan Army have attended government-led peace talks but remain proscribed entities under the regime.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirmation of the charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law and precise sentences from official court records. Verification of the legal appeal status and any responses from the All Myanmar Islam Religious Organisation. Current status of martial law in Nawnghkio and surrounding areas.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Myanmar Now English. Open the source.