By Hafizur Rahman
August 10, 2025
Twenty-three fishermen from the northern part of Mingalargyi Village Tract in Maungdaw Township were reportedly detained by the Arakan Army/United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) on August 7, sparking concern and outrage among their families and local residents.
According to locals, the fishermen had informed AA/ULA officials in advance and obtained permission from two coastal camps before setting out to fish in the Naf River. They traveled in nine small fishing boats, with two to three people on each vessel — a common practice in the area. Residents said it was customary for fishermen to share part of their catch with AA/ULA camps after returning.
Despite this, witnesses reported that AA/ULA troops apprehended all the fishermen along the Ywat Nyo Taung coastal area in northern Mingalargyi. The families, unable to contact the fishermen for the entire day, learned through the village administrator around 7 p.m. that they had been detained. No official reason for the arrests was provided.
Local residents condemned the incident as a violation of AA/ULA’s own commitment to respect the rights of civilians, stressing that the men had followed official procedures before going to sea. The families and community members have called for the fishermen’s immediate and unconditional release.
In response to growing fears of similar incidents, locals said they are appealing to international organizations to take action to stop what they describe as unlawful actions by AA/ULA and to ensure the safety of civilians in the area.
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