Police say 25 Muslims arrested in Ngapali en route to Malaysia 

By DMG 20 Aug 2022

DMG Newsroom
20 August 2022, Ngapali

Twenty-five Muslims were arrested in the Arakan State town of Ngapali on Friday evening, according to a police officer on duty from the Thandwe police station. 

The detained Muslims included 21 men and four women, the police officer said. 

“They were reportedly heading to Malaysia from Maungdaw,” he added. “When the boat encountered a storm while heading to Malaysia, the boatman took the Muslims on the boat to the shore and left them in Got ward. Upon receiving information about the arrival of Muslims in the ward, we went to the scene and detained them.” 

According to an initial investigation, there were about 50 people aboard the boat that was carrying the detained Muslims. Police said they are still searching for those who have not yet been accounted for. 

The 25 Muslims are currently being held at the Thandwe police station and arrangements are being made to file a lawsuit against them, according to the police station. 

Most Muslims in Arakan State are denied freedom of movement. Because of travel restrictions imposed by successive governments, they cannot travel freely within or outside of Arakan State. 

Many nonetheless undertake perilous journeys by boat or other means, seeking employment opportunities and a chance at a better life beyond Myanmar’s borders.