26 November 2025 – The Arakan Army has arrested a man, aged 46, in association with allegedly raping a 16-year-old Chin girl.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Tun Hlaing from Pyi Lun Kyi village in Mrauk-U township, Rakhine State, was taken into custody on 19 November after returning to his home village.
Local sources said that the assault occurred on 9 November at approximately 5:00 pm near the forest edge north of Dalet Kaing village, Paletwa township. According to residents, the Rakhine perpetrator attacked the 16-year-old girl of Letu (also known as Laitu) Chin tribe at least three times before fleeing the area.
Mr. Tun Hlaing remained at large for ten days until neighbours alerted local AA authorities upon his return.
“He didn’t surrender quietly. He swung a knife at the arresting team, but they managed to overpower him,” a Paletwa resident said on condition of anonymity. “The girl is now receiving medical examination and care.”
The AA, which has administered Paletwa township of Chin State since early 2024, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect is being investigated under Section 376 of the Myanmar Penal Code for rape.
The case was processed through the group’s judicial mechanism rather than civilian courts operated by the military junta.
This incident marks at least the five reported case of sexual violence against Chin women in AA-held Paletwa township this year. The cases were reported in Seinsin, Shwelaipi villages and two cases in Sami town during this year.
In April 2025, two AA soldiers were accused of gang-raping a Chin woman on her way to a hill farm in Seinsin village and subsequently attempting to drown her. The soldiers were reportedly disciplined internally, but details of the outcome were never made public.
Rights monitors have repeatedly urged the AA to ensure transparent investigations and public accountability in cases of sexual violence committed within areas under its control. – Reporting by Benjamin
