Over 400 Arakanese deportees remain detained in Yangon under tight security

By Admin 16 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 October 2026, Yangon

More than 400 Arakanese people deported from Malaysia after serving sentences remain detained under heavy security by the military junta in Yangon and have been prevented from returning to Arakan State, according to sources close to the detainees.

On October 4, a total of 1,476 Myanmar nationals returned to Yangon from Malaysia with the assistance of authorities from both countries. More than 400 of them were from Arakan State.

The returnees have been temporarily placed in detention facilities in Thanlyin and Hlaingtharyar townships in Yangon, where military personnel have established strict security perimeters.

“There are over 400 Arakanese in total. More than 200 are being held in Thanlyin, and over 200 in Hlaingtharyar,” said a person close to a detainee's family. “They have been divided into two groups representing five townships each. One group covers Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Werathani, while the second group covers Rathedaung, Sittwe, Manaung, Kyaukphyu and Taungup.”

According to the source, the junta says it is processing national registration cards and biometric smart cards for the more than 400 individuals, conducting blood tests and arranging factory jobs for them.

However, the detainees are anxious to be released so they can return to their hometowns or travel elsewhere.

Reports indicate that those detained are barred from leaving the facilities and remain under constant, heavy surveillance.

“They haven't mentioned releasing anyone,” said an individual who managed to meet with the detainees. “They talk about arranging factory jobs and housing. Essentially, it feels like they want to keep them penned up like farmed chickens, with the plan to conscript them into military service whenever they need troops.”

On October 12, officials from the Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP) and the Khami National Development Party (KNDP) visited the detained Arakanese at the facilities but reportedly made no promises to secure their release.

Family members are increasingly worried that the young detainees will be forcibly conscripted under the military service law.

“Previously, anyone arrested in Malaysia and returned to Yangon would just face a few routine questions upon arrival and be allowed to return home immediately,” a family member said. “Now, it's been nearly two weeks, and we haven't heard any news of their release. Given all the reports of military conscription and forced portering in Yangon, we are extremely worried.”

Sources noted that the group of more than 400 deportees includes ethnic Arakanese as well as members of the Chakma and Khami communities.