Tongchangya Students Union (Mizoram) Welcomes Release of 89 Chakma Individuals by the Arakan Army

News ၊ June 4, 2026

The Tongchangya Students Union (Mizoram) has issued a statement expressing gratitude for the release of 89 Chakma individuals who were temporarily detained from Thinbawhla Village in Maungdaw Township by the Arakan Army (AA).

Currently, 33 Chakma individuals remain under the detention of the Arakan Army, causing rising concerns among their families. The union has urged the relevant authorities to release them as soon as possible so they can be reunited with their families.

According to a ground report, it was confirmed that 90 detainees were released following a joint appeal by 12 Chakma organizations on May 27, 2026, demanding the release of innocent civilians.

In addition, the Tongchangya Student Union (Mizoram) expressed its gratitude to the Chakma people in Myanmar for standing together in unity.

The incident occurred on May 23, 2026, in Thinbawhla Village, Maungdaw Township, when ULA/AA officials arrived to explain matters regarding the National Defence Emergency Provision (NDEP). Due to misunderstandings, some locals exhibited riotous and hostile behavior, leading to a chaotic situation.

In connection with this incident, more than 100 Chakma villagers were temporarily detained by the Arakan Army (AA).

It is reported that yesterday, June 3, the Arakan Army (AA) released 89 out of more than 100 detained Thinbawhla villagers, while nearly 30 individuals continue to be held by the AA.

Those released by the Arakan Army (AA) reportedly include women and the elderly from the Chakma (Thakkama) ethnic group.

Regarding the detention of the villagers from Thinbawhla, a Chakma (Thakkama) populated village in Maungdaw Township, 12 Chakma civil society organizations had issued a joint statement on May 27 demanding their immediate release.

According to that statement, the actions of the Arakan Army (AA) troops involved firing weapons and beating villagers, which resulted in injuries to several villagers, including pregnant women.

However, Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thukha countered these claims, stating that the reports do not align with the situation on the ground.

"There were no such severe incidents as claimed in those statements. It is merely an exaggeration that ignores the truth on the ground," he said.

Regarding the organizations involved in the statement, he mentioned that he had only learned of their existence after the statement was issued.

U Khaing Thukha explained that when ULA government officials went to Thinbawhla Village to explain the National Defence Emergency Provision (NDEP), some villagers who misunderstood the situation attempted to riot while carrying sticks and knives. Therefore, those individuals were temporarily detained for security reasons.

He added that the detainees were given detailed explanations and discussions regarding national defense duties through the Ethnic Affairs Committee of the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government. They have now reached an understanding, and there are no further issues.

Furthermore, U Khaing Thukha stated that under the NDEP, everyone within the specified age range in the Arakan region is required to undergo military training and serve in the military, describing it as a national defense duty for every citizen.

Thinbawhla Village in Maungdaw Township is located close to the Bangladesh border, along the Maungdaw–Kyeinchaung–Taungpyo Letwe road.

Armed groups such as ARSA, RSO, and ARA frequently operate in this area, which has seen incidents of kidnapping and killing committed against local residents.

According to local residents, due to the security situation in the region, there is a necessity for the public to undergo military training in order to protect themselves and their communities.

Source@onenationnews