28 January 2026 – Five of six young Khumi Chin women who were detained by the Arakan Army (ULA/AA) in Paletwa township, Chin State, have escaped, while one woman remains in detention, according to the escapees.
The incident occurred on 14 October 2025, when six young women from four villages in Paletwa township were traveling to Yangon. They were reportedly being transported by two men from Rikhaw Ward, Paletwa town, for 200,000 kyats per person. The group was arrested at a ULA/AA checkpoint near the border of Matupi township.
The women were identified as Ms. Shwe Khin, aged 16, Ms. Win Pa, aged 21, Ms. Khin Min Oo , aged 17, Ms. Ko Win, aged 22, Ms. Nan Lone, aged 17, and Ms. Hanna, aged 22. Sources said they were detained for the purpose of military recruitment.
According to the escapees, five of the women fled from an AA camp through forest routes and went without food for two days before reaching a safe area. They have since reunited with their families.
However, Ms. Win Pa, aged 21, did not attempt to escape due to fear and remained at the AA camp. Her current condition and whereabouts remain unknown.
Family members searching for the detained women reportedly spent large amounts of money and were driven away by AA members while seeking information in different locations, including parts of Rakhine State.
After ULA/AA took control of Paletwa township in January 2024, the area was incorporated as the eighth district of Rakhine State in August 2025. Since then, ULA/AA has conducted household checks and carried out arrests for military service, targeting women aged 18 to 30 and men aged 18 to 45.
As a result, many young people from Paletwa township have reportedly fled to safer areas, including Mizoram State, Hakha, and Yangon. – Reporting by Ben
