A new armed group has reportedly emerged in Paletwa Township, an area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). The group is known as the Khumi People Front (KPF) / Khumi National Congress Party (KNCP).
The Arakan Army controls most of Paletwa Township, including Paletwa Town and Sami Town. The area is also home to armed groups that emerged during Myanmar’s Spring Revolution, namely the CDF-Paletwa and CDF-Daai.
With the emergence of the KPF, there are now four armed organizations operating in Paletwa Township: the Arakan Army (AA), KPF, CDF-Paletwa, and CDF-Daai.
Local residents allege that the newly formed KPF has been carrying out arrests of civilians, threatening family members of those detained, and recruiting new members.
According to residents, dozens of young people from villages such as Thaya Kone, Kyaukpallin, and Satalainwa were detained by the KPF during the first week of June. Family members have reportedly requested their release, but those detained have not yet been freed.
Efforts are currently being made to contact KPF representatives regarding these allegations, but no response has been received so far.
Paletwa Township is considered strategically important for both Chin State and Rakhine State due to its significance for border trade and military operations.
The Arakan Army, which controls most of the township, has been carrying out administrative functions, maintaining law and order, and implementing development activities in sectors such as education and healthcare. According to available information, the AA also maintains positive relations with other local armed organizations operating in the area.
