Junta holds at least 20 Muslims from Ramree incommunicado as sea arrests intensify

By Admin 02 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

2 April 2026, Ramree

At least 20 Muslims from Kyauknimaw Village in Ramree Township have been detained by the regime, with families saying they have had no contact with those arrested.

The arrests occurred while fishermen and cargo transporters were working in the Ramree Manaung strait. Junta warships intercepted them while they were navigating waters near Ramree, Taungup, Manaung and Thandwe townships.

Local residents told DMG that there has been no communication between the detainees and their families up to now.

U Thar Tun Aung, administrator of Kyauknimaw Village, said arrests frequently occur whether people are fishing or transporting goods. He added that such incidents mainly happen in the waters off Thandwe, Manaung and Ramree. While some detainees have been released, around 20 people remain in custody.

Between early 2024 and late 2025, junta naval forces detained at least 40 Muslim fishermen from Kyauknimaw Village.

About half were released after payments were made, but around 20 who could not afford the demanded sums remain detained without contact with their families.

Daw Ma Hla Win from Kyauknimaw Village said about eight people, including her relatives and ferry workers, were among those detained. They were intercepted in the Manaung strait while transporting food supplies from Ayeyarwady Region. She said the military seized both the boat and its crew despite attempts to negotiate their release.

In July 2024, the regime detained 24 people and seized five boats, including one owned by Daw Ma Hla Win, in waters off Manaung Township while they were transporting food supplies.

Although the Arakan Army controls Ramree Township, the regime continues to control Manaung Township, and junta warships are frequently seen in nearby waters.

Some detainees have reportedly been sent to Kyaukphyu Prison, where they have received prison sentences on charges including alleged links to the Arakan Army and transporting illegal goods.

U Maung Maung Win, a resident of Kyauknimaw, said no one currently dares to go out to sea because of constant naval surveillance. As the community depends on fishing for survival, many are now facing serious livelihood difficulties.

Residents of Kyauknimaw rely heavily on the fishing industry, but ongoing naval operations have made it increasingly dangerous to work at sea.

Locals also said that on December 22, the regime detained 28 fishermen from Hsintetmaw Village in Pauktaw Township while they were fishing near Pannanttha Island. They were taken along with their boats to Kyaukphyu Township and have remained out of contact since then.

Communities in coastal areas of Arakan State, already struggling due to conflict, continue to face arrests at sea by the Myanmar Navy while trying to earn a living.