31 March 2026 — Five Khumi (Chin) youths, including minors, from Kha Ohn Wa village in Paletwa township, Chin State, were detained by the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), according to local sources.
Initial reports from Khumiland News stated that the group was arrested in February while travelling outside their village. Since then, they have had no contact with their families.
The individuals were identified as Mr. Aung Aung Nann Koe, aged 17, Mr. Aik Than Kyaw Lin, aged 17, Ms. Aik Rebecca, aged 18, Mr. Aik Pyay Htun Lin, aged 19, and Mr. Aik Aung Lin Htike, aged 22.
Local sources reported that on 9 February, a broker identified as Ms. Aung Wai from Paung Mo Wa village allegedly arranged their travel, charging 1.4 million kyats per person with a promise of job opportunities in Yangon.
On 11 February, while travelling by motorcycle toward the border with assistance from three individuals from Let Taik village, the group was stopped and detained at a ULA/AA checkpoint in Shwe Laik Wa village.
Sources indicated that the five youths were later transferred to a ULA/AA recruitment training camp in Sein Sin village. Their families have not been allowed to meet them.
“There is still no clear information about the children. The parents are trying to meet ULA/AA officials. Some believe that submitting an appeal letter may help secure their release, and families are preparing to do so,” said a source close to the families.
Local residents expressed concern over reports that ULA/AA continues to detain and send non-Rakhine ethnic youths, including those from Chin communities, to recruitment training camps in Paletwa township.Family members have called for the immediate release of the detained youths, particularly those who are underage. – Reporting by Ben
