4 June 2026 — The Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has resumed ‘forcible’ recruitment of new fighters in Paletwa township, Chin State.
The ULA/AA members have been conducting household-to-household visits across villages between Paletwa town and Kuwa village along the Kaladan River in recent days, compiling population lists.
According to Khumiland News, a local resident stated that recruitment teams have instructed that at least one person per household must serve in the armed group while collecting detailed household information.
In addition, families of listed youths are reportedly being pressured to sign written consent forms confirming approval for their children to serve in military duties, amid allegations of intimidation and coercion.
Local sources have reported that ULA/AA has enforced its own conscription policy and has carried out periodic recruitment campaigns roughly every three months since taking control of Paletwa township in early 2024.
Residents expressed concern that increasing recruitment pressure could lead to youths being forcibly sent to frontline areas, placing significant strain on households and livelihoods.
Locals further reported that many young people have fled their villages to avoid recruitment, leaving some communities with very limited working-age populations and heightening fear among remaining families. – Reporting by Ben
