5 February 2026 — Hundreds of residents in Paletwa township, Chin State, have been displaced following reports of forced recruitment by the Arakan Army (AA) in recent months.
Since October 2025, at least 422 individuals between the ages of 15 and 45 (227 men and 196 women) have been recorded as forcibly displaced, with the actual number believed to be higher.
During this period, the AA allegedly conducted door-to-door checks in villages across the township, forcibly recruiting young, eligible residents for military service. This has caused widespread displacement, leaving many villages largely devoid of young people.
Those who remain, primarily the elderly and children, are facing significant challenges to their livelihood and security. “Young people are fleeing because of forced recruitment. There is no one left in the village who can work. Only the elderly and children remain,” a local community leader told Chinland Guardian.
To avoid being arrested at AA checkpoints, many young people travel through forests and mountains toward Mizoram State, India, instead of using main roads. Residents noted that the journey is dangerous, and many have faced hunger, illness—particularly among children—due to cold weather and poor nutrition.
Local people explained that main roads have AA checkpoints where they might be arrested, so they have to take the longer, more dangerous forest paths, even with children.
Most displaced persons are currently sheltering in the Saiha and Lawngtlai districts of Mizoram State, India. Others have fled to Hakha town in Chin State and Yangon. – Reporting by Ben
