by Hafizur Rahman
Several Rohingya youths were arrested and beaten by Myanmar’s military under martial law in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, late at night on January 27, 2026, with families later forced to pay large sums of money to secure their release, local residents said. Some detainees remain in custody after their families failed to pay the demanded amounts.
According to local sources, the arrests took place around 10:20 pm during the enforcement of martial law, which restricts civilian movement at night. Myanmar Junta personnel reportedly detained Rohingya youths found outside and subjected them to physical abuse at the time of arrest.
One of those arrested was Shomin, an 18 year old Rohingya youth, son of Mohammad Yunouse, from Dwa Myaung village in U Yin Thar Village Tract. That night, Shomin had been returning from his aunt’s house in Thek Kay Pyin village after delivering medicine. His aunt has been ill for more than a month, and he had gone to assist her.
Despite this, soldiers reportedly stopped him on the street, beat him, and took him into custody.
“They did not ask why he was outside,” a Rohingya resident from the area said. “They just beat him and took him away.”
Multiple Arrests and Beatings
Local residents said that on the same night, six other Rohingya youths were also arrested for being outside during nighttime hours. All detainees were reportedly slapped and beaten during their arrest before being taken to a military custody location near Manzi Junction in Sittwe.
The following day, the detained youths were interrogated by military authorities. During questioning, soldiers reportedly contacted village administrators and demanded up to 500,000 Myanmar kyat for each detainee in exchange for their release.
“We sold our animals and borrowed money to free our son,” one parent said. “If we did not pay, he would still be inside.”
With the help of village administrators, some families managed to collect the demanded amounts and secure the release of their children. Families who failed to pay were reportedly refused, leaving their sons in continued military detention.
Detainees Still in Custody
Among those still detained is Futuya, a 22 year old Rohingya man, son of Mamad, from Thek Kay Pyin village. Local residents said he remains in military custody because his family could not pay the demanded money.
People close to the family say he is being tortured and subjected to severe mistreatment.
“They are punishing him because we are poor,” a relative said quietly. “Every day we fear he may not survive.”
Additional Financial Pressure on Villagers
In a related development during the same week, residents reported that the military, together with village administrators, began collecting 20,000 Myanmar kyat from each household in Thek Kay Pyin village. The money is reportedly being collected to pay salaries of people conscripted by the military.
This has placed additional pressure on Rohingya families who are already struggling to meet basic needs.
“We can barely buy food,” one villager said. “Now they are asking for more money. Where are we supposed to find it?”
Ongoing Pattern of Abuse
Local residents said the arrests, beatings, ransom demands, and forced money collection reflect a continued pattern of abuse, fear, and exploitation faced by Rohingya communities in Sittwe Township. Families are living under constant anxiety, afraid to move at night, afraid to speak openly, and afraid for the lives of their children.
Community members are calling for urgent attention from human rights organizations and the international community to stop these abuses, ensure the release of those still detained, and protect Rohingya civilians from further harm.
