Arakkha Government Returns Two Underage Youths and One Medically Ineligible Youth to Their Families

News ၊ September 7, 2026

The Arakkha Government today formally handed back two underage youths and one medically unfit individual who had voluntarily presented themselves to join the AA to their respective families.

The two underage youths were identified as 16-year-old Maung Min Soe Naing, son of U Maung Hla Win, and 13-year-old Maung Wai Yan Min, son of U Thar Zan Oo, both residing in Pyin Hla Village, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan.

The youth who failed the medical screening was identified as 20-year-old Maung Htwe Chay, son of U Nyi Chay Maung, from the same village.

The three youths voluntarily arrived at the AA on August 31 seeking military enlistment, prompting responsible officials to temporarily place them in care.

During intake evaluations assessing age, health status, and background eligibility for service, authorities determined that Maung Min Soe Naing and Maung Wai Yan Min were under 18 years of age.

Although Maung Htwe Chay met the age requirement at 20, he was deemed unfit due to poor health conditions. Consequently, enlistment was denied, and officials contacted their families to coordinate their formal return on September 6.

Furthermore, the Government returned all personal property, including mobile phones and cash, to the three youths.

During the handover process, the Mrauk-U Township Party Officer delivered a detailed address, emphasizing that the Arakan Army strictly prohibits the recruitment of minors, medically unfit individuals, and active students.

He further reiterated that the Arakkha Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against child soldiers and abides strictly by the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Since August 18, the Arakkha Government has systematically safely reunited at least nine underage youths who voluntarily presented themselves for enlistment with their respective families.

Source@APM