Over 400 Arakanese Deportees Remain Detained in Yangon Under Tight Security
More than 400 Arakanese nationals deported from Malaysia after serving prison sentences remain detained under heavy security by the military regime in Yangon, with authorities preventing them from returning to Arakan State, according to sources close to the detainees.
On October 4, officials from both countries helped 1,476 Myanmar nationals return to Yangon from Malaysia.
More than 400 people among them are from Arakan State.
Authorities have temporarily placed the returnees in detention facilities across Thanlyin and Hlaingtharyar townships, where military personnel have established strict security perimeters.
"There are over 400 Arakanese in total. More than 200 are being held in Thanlyin, and another 200 in Hlaingtharyar," said a source 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."
While authorities claim they are processing national registration cards, biometric smart cards, conducting medical blood tests, and arranging factory employment for the deportees, the detainees are anxious to secure their release so they can return to their hometowns or travel elsewhere.
Reports indicate that those detained are strictly barred from leaving the facilities and remain under constant, heavy surveillance.
"They haven't mentioned releasing anyone," said an individual who met 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 ultimate plan to conscript them into military service whenever troops are needed."
On October 12, representatives from the Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP) and the Khami National Development Party (KNDP) visited the detained individuals at the facilities but reportedly made no commitments regarding their release.
Family members are increasingly concerned that young detainees will be forcibly inducted under the regime's military service law.
"Previously, anyone arrested in Malaysia and returned to Yangon would simply face routine questioning upon arrival and be allowed to return home immediately," a family member said.
"Now, it has been nearly two weeks without any news of their release. Given widespread reports of military conscription and forced portering in Yangon, we are extremely worried."
Sources noted that the group of more than 400 deportees comprises ethnic Arakanese as well as members of the Chakma and Khami communities.
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