by Hafizur Rahman
Rohingya youths in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, have been arrested, beaten, and forced to pay large sums of money by Myanmar Junta forces during night curfew hours, local residents said. Some youths remain in detention after their families failed to pay the money demanded for their release.
According to residents, the arrests took place late on January 27, 2026, after 10:00 pm, when a night curfew was in effect. Security forces reportedly stopped Rohingya youths who were outside their homes or shops, beat them at the time of arrest, and took them into custody.
Witnesses said the arrests occurred around 10:20 pm, when all civilian movement was restricted. The youths were reportedly taken to a military detention location near Manzi Junction in Sittwe.
One of those arrested is an 18 year old Rohingya youth from Dwar Myaung village. On the night of the incident, he was returning from his aunt’s house after delivering medicine. His aunt has been ill for more than a month, and he had gone to assist her.
Local residents said soldiers stopped him on the road, beat him without asking any questions, and arrested him.
“They did not ask why he was outside. They just beat him and took him away,” a resident said.
Multiple Arrests Under Curfew
Residents said six other Rohingya youths were also arrested the same night for being outside during curfew hours. All were reportedly slapped and beaten before being taken into custody.
The following day, families were informed that up to 500,000 Myanmar kyats per person had to be paid to secure the youths’ release. Several parents said they were forced to sell belongings and borrow money to free their children.
“To release my son, I had to sell animals and take loans,” one parent said. “If we cannot pay, they will keep him detained.”
With assistance from village administrators, some families managed to collect the money and secure the release of their sons. Youths from families who could not pay remain in detention.
Detainees Still Held
Among those still detained is a 22 year old Rohingya man from Thit Kay Pyin village. His family has been unable to pay the demanded amount. Relatives said he is being severely beaten while in custody.
“We are poor, that is why this is happening to us,” a relative said quietly. “Every day we fear he may not survive.”
Additional Financial Pressure
During the same week, residents said Junta forces, together with local administrators, collected 20,000 Myanmar kyats from each household in Thit Kay Pyin village. The money is reportedly being collected to cover military related costs.
Residents said this has placed additional pressure on Rohingya families who are already struggling to buy food and meet basic needs.
“We cannot even afford food. Now they are asking for more money. Where can we get it?” a villager said.
Fear Across the Community
Local residents said the arrests, beatings, and money demands are creating widespread fear among Rohingya communities in Sittwe Township. Families are afraid to go outside at night, afraid to speak openly, and deeply worried about the safety of their children.
Community members are calling for urgent attention from human rights organizations and the international community to stop these abuses, secure the release of those still detained, and protect Rohingya civilians from further harm.
