Dozens of Malaysia-bound Muslims from Arakan State arrested in Yangon’s Hlegu Twsp

29 Nov 2022

DMG Newsroom
29 November 2022, Hlegu, Yangon Region

Dozens of undocumented Muslims from Arakan State were reportedly arrested by authorities in Hlegu Township, Yangon Region, on Monday.

When authorities stopped a cargo trailer near Nyaunghnitpin Zone 1 in Hlegu Township and conducted a search operation, they arrested a total of 68 people, including four undocumented Muslim children, 54 men and 14 women, according to a source close to the Hlegu Myoma police station.

“The authorities intercepted a 12-wheeled cargo truck near Nyaunghnitpin Zone 1 and detained dozens of undocumented Muslims including children and women. The Muslims are currently detained and are being questioned at Hlegu Myoma police station,” the source added.

The detainees are reportedly from Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships in Arakan State, were brought by human traffickers, and had to pay millions of kyats to human traffickers to get them to Malaysia via Myawaddy in Kayin State, the source said.

At least 30 undocumented Muslims were arrested at the zero-mile security checkpoint in Hlegu Township and in Thingangyungyi Ward, part of Yangon’s Mingaladon Township, in October and November respectively.

Risking arrest and prosecution on immigration charges with potential imprisonment of up to five years, Muslims in Arakan State continue to attempt to leave the state to work elsewhere in the country or abroad.