Hundreds of Locals Stranded in Kyaukphyu Town, Prevented from Returning Home by Military Junta

News

Global Arakan Network August 28, 2025

Kyaukphyu Town (photocrd)

In Kyaukphyu Town, Rakhine State, hundreds of locals, including women from rural areas, are being detained and prevented from returning to their hometowns by the military, according to sources.

The military is reportedly blocking these individuals, who are in Kyaukphyu for various reasons, from returning home due to fears that they might join the Arakan Army (AA) and serve in its forces. A female source told Narinjara that the military's primary concern is that these locals, particularly those heading to AA-controlled areas such as Minbya, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw, might bolster the AA’s ranks.

“They’re mainly restricting people from rural areas. Those stranded are mostly trying to reach liberated territories like Minbya, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw—areas under AA control. Both women and men are affected. No one is allowed to leave the town. The main reason is that the AA has issued a conscription law, and the military fears that if these people reach those areas, they’ll join the AA, increasing their numbers,” the source said.

Among those stranded are individuals planning to work abroad via Kyaukphyu, those intending to travel to AA-controlled liberated areas, and others who came to the town for work and now wish to return home. Similarly, some who returned from abroad for various reasons and are trying to get back to their villages through Kyaukphyu are also stuck, according to reports.

Google Map View on Kyaukphyu (photocrd)

Currently, the military’s 542nd Battalion, along with administrative officials, is conducting thorough checks on the personal details of those attempting to leave, refusing to issue travel permits.

One stranded individual told Narinjara, “The general administration office, soldiers, and police are all involved in the inspections. The commander of the 542nd Battalion is also there. They ask where you’re going, why you’re going—everything. If they’re not satisfied, they don’t issue the permit. People from rural areas aren’t getting permits at all.”

Previously, obtaining a travel permit took about a week, but now, even after months, permits are not being issued, locals say. In the past, permits from the township administration, general administration office, immigration department, police, military, and airline tickets were sufficient for departure. However, all departures are now completely prohibited, according to town residents.

It is estimated by some locals that over 500 people from rural areas are currently stranded in Kyaukphyu. These individuals are staying in guesthouses, with relatives, or in monasteries, facing severe hardships due to limited access to food, clothing, and shelter.

Source-Narinjara