Five murder cases recorded in Arakan State over six months

By Admin 19 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

19 January 2026, Mrauk-U

At least five locals were robbed and killed in Arakan State, controlled by the Arakan Army, between July 2025 and January 2026, according to DMG figures.

Two cases occurred in Gwa Township, and one each in Taungup, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw townships.

On 13 January, U Khin Maung Nyunt, 60, from Kanpaing Ward, Taungup Township, was robbed of more than K7 million at home and died from a stab wound to the neck.

On 10 January, 15-year-old Maung Lin Myat Aung was robbed of his motorbike near Kaitawkwin Village in Gwa Township and died from multiple stab and cut wounds.

On 17 August 2025, U Hla Win from Kyaukkhaungkwin Village, Gwa Township, was robbed of cash, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry at his home and killed.

“In the past, I only heard about murders in the area. I didn’t hear about murders for the sake of looting. Now, criminals have escalated to the point of murder,” said a local man in Thandwe.

On 26 December, U Aung Than Tun from Maungthargon Village in Mrauk-U Township was stabbed to death near Koethaung Temple, and his motorcycle, earrings, and a ring were stolen.

On 24 July, 62-year-old Daw Win Nu Yin from Pyainechaung Village, Kyauktaw Township, was stabbed in the neck and abdomen inside her home. Three pieces of jewelry and cash were stolen.

“I think these looting and killings are related to growing hunger. In addition to looting, the fact that brutal killings have been committed raises worrying questions about the rule of law,” said a local man in Kyauktaw.

Of the five cases, the Arakan Police Force has identified perpetrators in the Gwa, Kyauktaw, and Mrauk-U incidents. Details of the other two cases are not yet available.

Locals say such looting and killings challenge regional security and highlight the need for the United League of Arakan (ULA) to ensure safety and governance.

“Although the ULA has identified and arrested the perpetrators, frequent robberies and murders in residential areas show the need for stronger public safety measures,” said a woman in Mrauk-U.

Although no murders have been reported, robberies continue. On 3–4 August, two robberies occurred consecutively on Cedipyin-Kyaukpandu Road in Rathedaung Township.

The ULA is urged to strengthen security measures to prevent crimes, not just respond after incidents, and to guarantee public safety.

The Arakan Army, the armed wing of the ULA, controls 14 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, providing services such as justice, law enforcement, and tax collection.