by Hafizur Rahman
A total of 727 Rohingya prisoners are being transferred from Mawlamyine Prison to Sittwe Township on February 16, 2026, according to local sources.
Sources said the prisoners are expected to arrive in Sittwe, where authorities plan to relocate them to various internally displaced person camps across the township. Preparations are reportedly underway to distribute them among existing IDP camps.
The reason for the transfer has not been officially announced.
Residents of the camps and family members of the prisoners have expressed concern about living conditions, security, and access to basic services. Many of the IDP camps in Sittwe are already overcrowded and face shortages of food, healthcare, and shelter.
Local sources said the situation is being closely monitored, as the arrival of a large number of people could place additional strain on limited resources in the camps. Families are seeking further clarification regarding the legal status and future conditions of those being transferred.
