by Hafizur Rahman
Five Rohingya Muslims, including one woman, were arrested by Myanmar’s military junta in Sittwe Township of Rakhine State on 16 January, according to local residents.
Those arrested were identified as Momtas, 30; Hassan, 35; Roshid, 37; Huson Ahmed, 37; and Eusuf, 60. Residents said junta police arrived by vehicle at Phwe Yar Gone village on 14 January and arrested four men, Roshid, Huson Ahmed, Hassan, and Eusuf, from their homes.
A day earlier, on 13 January, a Rohingya woman from the same village was also arrested by junta police. As of the latest update, there is no information about her whereabouts or whether she has been formally charged.
Families left without answers
Family members of the arrested individuals said the detentions were carried out without any clear explanation or warrant. They said authorities did not inform them of the reasons for the arrests or where their relatives were being taken.
“We have not been told anything,” said a family member. “We do not know why they were arrested or whether they are safe.”
Relatives expressed concern about the risk of abuse and prolonged detention, saying they have received no official communication from authorities.
Pattern of arrests raises fear
Residents also recalled that on 30 December 2025, a Muslim village administrator from Pan Lin Pyin village in Sittwe Township was arrested by the military junta. There has been no confirmed information about his release since then.
Local Rohingya communities say the recent arrests have intensified fear and anxiety, as many continue to face arbitrary detention and uncertainty under military control.
As of now, the military authorities in Myanmar have not publicly commented on the arrests.
