Three Kyaukphyu women missing for over 20 days after trip toward Yangon

By Admin 29 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 April 2026, Kyaukphyu

Three young women from Kyaukphyu Township in Arakan State who traveled by land toward Yangon have been missing for more than 20 days, with no contact with their families since April 8.

The missing persons are 21-year-old Ma Hnin Yi Win, daughter of U Naing Naing Tun; 21-year-old Ma Soe Mar Win, daughter of U Maung Gyi; and 25-year-old Ma Thet Mar Phyo, daughter of U Tha Kyaw. All three are from Kyaukchein Village in Kyaukphyu Township.

The women reportedly arranged to travel from Kyaukphyu to Yangon by crossing the Arakan mountain range after contacting a male human broker from Maei town in Toungup Township.

"We had phone contact with them until they reached Maei town. Now, we cannot reach any of the three women or the broker who was transporting them. It has been over 20 days. Since they are young women, the families are extremely worried," a female family member told DMG.

Local residents said contact with the women was lost after April 8.

Due to ongoing fighting between the regime and the Arakan Army in Kyaukphyu Township, residents from at least 40 villages, including the Ngalonesu village-tract, have been displaced and are facing serious livelihood difficulties.

Many displaced young people are leaving Arakan State through various routes in search of work in mainland Myanmar and abroad.

"Family livelihoods are not going well. Some are even starving. That is why they went to find work. If they have been arrested on the way, regardless of which side detained them, we appeal to them to sympathize with the family's anxiety and distress and allow them to make contact," another family member said.

While some financially stable travelers use air or sea routes from Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Manaung, others are forced to travel by land through conflict areas and forested mountain routes.

Travelers heading to mainland Myanmar face risks from both sides. If arrested by the regime, they may face forced military service, extortion, or life-threatening conditions. If detained by the Arakan Army, they may also face recruitment into military service.

The United League of Arakan has issued the National Defence Emergency Provision in Arakan State, restricting individuals aged 18 to 45 from traveling to mainland Myanmar or abroad except for health reasons.