Myanmar Navy detains Pauktaw fishermen and demands ransom

By Admin 31 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

31 January 2026, Pauktaw

Ten fishermen from Pauktaw Township in Arakan State who were detained by the Myanmar Navy on January 25 were released on January 27 after being forced to pay one million kyats each, local residents said.

The fishermen had departed from a jetty in Nyaungpinchaing Village and were heading toward the western sea when a Myanmar Navy vessel patrolling the area opened fire and chased their boat.

“A group of 10 people on one fishing boat was captured. There were 18 others travelling on a larger boat and a smaller craft who managed to escape during the incident,” a Pauktaw resident told DMG.

Those detained from Pyaingtaung Village were identified as U San Kyaw Nu, 55, Ko Maung Aye Than, 25, Ko Aung Htay San, 22, and Ko Maung Maung Than, 18. Fishermen from Tawlae Village included U Aung Latt, 40, U Dhanya Aung, 32, Ko Maung Thu Ya, 25, and Ko Win Moe Kyaw, 24. U Sein Thaung Chay, 47, from Yarchaingpyin Village and U Maung Nyunt Thar, 38, from Yartaik Village were also among those detained.

While in custody, the fishermen were reportedly beaten with sticks. Navy personnel demanded a ransom of one million kyats per person in exchange for their release.

In a separate incident on January 27, the Myanmar Navy also detained six Muslim fishermen who were working near Hsandawshin Island.

“People in Pauktaw are struggling to survive and rely on fishing for their livelihood. The Navy frequently fires at fishing boats. This is a deliberate attempt to starve the local population,” another Pauktaw resident said.

Local residents, already facing severe economic hardship due to the ongoing conflict, are increasingly being arrested while attempting to earn a living at sea.

Pauktaw Township, which is controlled by the Arakan Army, lies across the water from the Arakan State capital, Sittwe. Myanmar Navy vessels stationed around Sittwe regularly patrol the area and target local fishermen.

Junta battalions based in Sittwe and naval vessels also continue to shell Pauktaw Township with heavy artillery, creating serious obstacles for residents trying to sustain their livelihoods.