Damdep, Mizoram, June 2, 2026: The Tongchangya Students’ Union has issued a strong press statement condemning the reported arbitrary arrest, beating and forced disappearance of more than 100 Chakma civilians including elderly people following a dispute over alleged forced recruitment by the Arakan Army (AA). The union called for the immediate release of all civilians detained, and compensation for victims whose homes were reportedly looted and destroyed.
Local Sakma sources in Mawndaw said several people were injured on their hands and legs, and that an elderly man in his 70s was among those taken away with other detainees. Community members said families were split apart during the arrests and fear has spread among residents of the affected villages.
Already 12 Sakma organisations in Myanmar have sent out protest letters on the incident. But the allegations have been denied publicly by AA spokesperson Khine Thukha who has said the matter has been resolved. Local sources however insist that to date no detainee has been released despite such claims.
On 29 May 2026, a Sakma resident from Mawndaw, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, called the Tongchangya Students’ Union and requested a public statement condemning the actions taken and demanding the release of all detained Chakma/Tongchangya civilians. The union responded to the appeal and expressed its solidarity with the innocent Daingnet people of Thinbaw Hla village in Mawndaw Township in its press statement officially released on May 31.
Meanwhile, the Burmese version of Narinjara on 1 June 2026 said public commentary on the incident should be made cautiously to prevent further damage to peace and stability in Arakan State. The report further states that comments made without understanding the situation could further heighten tensions between the Rakhine and Sakma communities. But Sakma representatives say the detained civilians remain in detention, and the crux of the matter is unresolved.
Reportedly arrested families
Local sources in Sakma have compiled a list of families reportedly detained in the May 23 incident. It includes old people, it includes women and children. Those listed include:
1. Mr. Aung Shwe Tun (63) and 8 family members, including 3 children under 18.
2. Mrs.Hla Nyo Sein (60) and 3 Family members.
3. Mr. Wai Hlaing(37) and 3 family members
4. Mr.Kyaw Thein Maung ( 45) and 7 family members.
5. Mr. Paing Nyo(46) and 6 family members included children under 18 .
6. Mrs. Ma Phyu and 2 Family members.
7. Mrs. Thu Phyu May(80) yrs old.
8. Mrs.Oo Yin Hla (31).
9. Mrs. Nyunt Nyunt Sein( 38) and 2 Family members.
10. Mrs.Kyaur Ma Khin (85).
11. Mrs. Nyi Ma Phu (38) and 3 Family members.
12. Mrs.Ma Aye Sein(48) and 5 Family members.
13. Mr. Tun Thar San (68) and 4 Family members.
14. Mr. Kan Phaw (71) and 5 family members
15. Mrs. Ma Thar Sein (49) and 3 family members.
16. Mrs. Sein Saw Phu (35) and 2 family members.
17. Mr.Mg Than Hla (70).
18. Mrs.Saw Hla Htun (50) and 3 family members.
19. Mr. Hla Maung Thar (60)and 3 family members.
20. Mrs. Kyaw Sein Maung and 5 family members.
21. Mrs.Kyaw Aye (58) and 5 family members.
Local sources, citing the latest data available, say that a total of 73 people have so far been reportedly arrested.
Local concerns
But Sakma residents say the public narrative of resolution does not match the reality on the ground. Some media sympathetic to the AA have claimed the matter has been resolved but prisoners are still being held and independent journalists have not been allowed into the village. Local voices say this selective access has made conditions hard to verify and helped obscure the situation.
Community leaders and civil society groups continue to call for the immediate release of all innocent civilians detained, especially the elderly, women and pregnant women and children who are said to have been affected by the operation. They are also calling for accountability for the alleged violence, destruction of property and trauma on families in the area.
