September 22, 2025 — Maungdaw, Arakan State
A female journalist from the Border News Agency (BNA), identified as Mudra, was abducted from her residence in Maungdaw at around 11:00 a.m. on September 20, according to a statement released by BNA.
The agency reported that the Intelligence Unit of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) was responsible for the abduction. Following the incident, it was learned that Mudra is being held and interrogated at the ULA/AA Intelligence Office.
In its statement, the Border News Agency highlighted its mission of promoting peace, pluralism, and diversity in the conflict-affected region of Arakan. The agency expressed concern that Mudra’s abduction undermines efforts to amplify the voices of religious and ethnic minorities in the state.
“We firmly believe that Border News Agency serves as a bridge to amplify the voices of religious and ethnic minorities in the Arakan region and to help overcome divisions,” the editorial team stated.
The BNA further appealed for Mudra’s immediate release, urging the authorities responsible to act with broadmindedness and humanitarian consideration. “We are appealing to those who took her to return her safely, considering both the deep concerns of her family and humanitarian grounds, as well as with respect to international law,” the statement read.
The abduction has raised alarm among press freedom advocates and human rights groups, who warn that targeting journalists in conflict zones not only endangers lives but also silences critical voices documenting the crisis in Arakan State.
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