Growing criticism among Arakanese over AA detentions of traders and youth

By Admin 27 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 April 2026, Paletwa, Chin State

Public criticism is mounting among Arakanese people following an increase in detentions of traders and young people by the Arakan Army at checkpoints in Paletwa Township, reportedly to prevent them from leaving Arakan State.

Previously, traders and youth were allowed to travel outside the state with four recommendation letters issued by relevant administrative bodies. However, residents now say that even those holding valid documents are being detained and sent for military training.

"We gathered what little money we had to buy goods. They issued the recommendation letters themselves, and we had people to vouch for us. We were told we could travel with administrative documents, but he was arrested anyway. We still do not know where he was taken," said a family member of a detained resident from Kyauktaw Township.

The detainee, a 29-year-old man from a village in Kyauktaw Township, was arrested at a checkpoint in Paletwa in the fourth week of April while traveling to India to purchase goods. His name and exact address have been withheld for security reasons.

Travelers are required to obtain four recommendation letters from the village administration office, regional office, police station, and township administration office. Despite this, many are reportedly being intercepted during their journeys.

Since the regime blocked the flow of goods in November 2023, locals have relied on trade routes to India and Magway Region to meet basic needs.

Analysts warn that these detentions are discouraging boat operators, drivers, and traders, which could severely impact the economy of Arakan State.

Traders say that if the situation continues, it will lead to shortages of goods and rising prices.

"Because of the arrests, boat operators are no longer traveling. Previously, a single trader would hire four or five boats, but now that number has dropped. Even though routes to India are open, there is no communication once you leave, so people are afraid to go. This will lead to shortages and higher prices," said an Arakanese merchant.

While detentions are taking place at Arakan Army checkpoints near the India border in Paletwa, some individuals, including the elderly and those in poor health, have been released.

"Five people from our village were arrested at a Paletwa checkpoint. One was released after showing medical evidence, and three others aged between 37 and 40 were also released. From what we understand, those aged between 18 and 35 are being taken for military service," said another resident from Kyauktaw.

The Arakan Army issued the National Defense Emergency Provision on May 22, 2025, which prohibits people aged 18 to 45 from leaving Arakan State. The provision mandates two years of military service for women aged 18 to 25 and men aged 18 to 45, with exceptions only for patients whose conditions cannot be treated locally.

"People have been trading goods from India for a long time. These arrests only started after the military service announcement. If travel is not allowed, they should not issue recommendation letters in the first place. The Arakan Army should listen to public criticism and handle this fairly instead of viewing it as an attack," said a man in Mrauk-U.

Many young Arakanese are attempting to leave for mainland Myanmar or abroad due to economic hardship and limited access to education and jobs. While some are detained by the Arakan Army, others risk arrest and forced recruitment at junta checkpoints in mainland Myanmar and Arakan State.

The Arakan Army currently controls and administers 14 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.

However, with ongoing fighting in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, and threats along the border from armed groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, some argue that young people should serve to defend their homeland.