Arakan Army Releases 89 Chakma Villagers from Thinbawhla Village

News ၊ June 3, 2026

Arakan Army Releases 89 Chakma Villagers from Thinbawhla Village (Photo - The Naf Waves)

The Arakan Army (AA) released 89 out of more than 100 Chakma ethnic villagers from Thinbawhla Village in Maungdaw Township on June 2.

The villagers had been detained following a misunderstanding and subsequent hostile rioting against ULA/AA officials who had visited the village to explain the National Defense Emergency Provision.

The Arakan Army initially detained over 100 villagers on May 24 after a riot broke out during a visit by AA officials to Thinbawhla Village regarding the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP).

While 89 of the detained villagers were released yesterday, the remaining 25 individuals are reportedly still being held by the Arakan Army. The released individuals are said to include minors, women, and the elderly.

On May 27, twelve Chakma civil society organizations issued a joint statement demanding the release of the villagers detained by the AA from Thinbawhla Village, which is primarily inhabited by the Chakma ethnic group in Maungdaw Township.

The statement alleged that Arakan Army members fired weapons, beat villagers, and caused injuries to several residents, including pregnant women.

However, according to local ground sources, the confrontation began when AA officials visited the village regarding the military conscription law (NDEP). Thinbawhla villagers reportedly refused them entry, and both men and women drove the officials away using sticks and knives, which ultimately triggered the riot.

Mr. Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the Arakan Army, told the media that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. He stated that the villagers were temporarily detained after attempting to riot in large numbers, and that the issue has been resolved by properly explaining national defense duties to them.

Similarly, the Chakma Ethnic Affairs Committee of Maungdaw District issued a statement on May 31, clarifying that the incident occurred because the villagers did not understand the military service conditions, and they are currently working to resolve the situation peacefully.

Source@onenationnews