Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 9 January 2025 

Six Arakanese young individuals, participating in Korean and Japanese language courses, were apprehended in Mayangone Township, Yangon. 

Among those detained was Maung Soe Naing Tun, 27, child of U Maung Khin Kyi and Daw Bu Ma, hailing from Gone Chaung village in Ohn Chaung Pyin village-tract, Ramree Township, Arakan State, as per an insider's information. 

Everyone who was detained was a university student in their twenties. 

The six youngsters, living in Ward 1 of Mayangone Township, were apprehended at approximately 7:00 pm on December 29 while they were out shopping. According to a source familiar with the situation, they met the Mayangone ward administrator and police, who conducted searches of their residences and took them into custody, a source close to the detainees told Narinjara News. 

"These six young people reside in Ward 1. Three of them were heading to purchase items in Ward 2 when they encountered some friends on the street and chatted with them. At that time, the administrator of Ward 2 and the police showed up, took the three young men, and instructed them to lead them to their residences. "When they got there and found the other three young men at the house, they took all six into custody immediately," the source reported. 

The six individuals were detained on suspicion of connections to the Arakan Army (AA) following the examination of their phones and National Registration Cards (NRCs). They were later held at the Mayangone Myoma Police Station. 

"Even if you encounter Arakanese individuals in Yangon, be cautious not to use the Arakan language. Once they hear it, they begin to inquire about your origin. Next, they examine your phone and NRC. If they discover any posts or images pertaining to the revolution, they will detain you. Now all six of them have been apprehended in a similar manner," the source clarified.

It has been nearly a week since they were arrested, and their relatives are trying to see them. 

Individuals familiar with the young people reported that they reached Yangon prior to the Ramree battle and were participating in language courses. 

In various areas of Yangon, junta troops are carrying out overnight checks of guest lists in dorms, residences, and workers' accommodations where Arakanese individuals live. During these inspections, people are compelled to take off their shirts for examinations of tattoos associated with Arakan. 

The junta's specific arrests and questioning of Arakanese individuals have led to many challenges for Arakanese youth in Yangon, who are enduring constant fear and depression.