The Arakan Army (AA), in addition to targeting Rohingya communities, has reportedly been forcibly recruiting members of the Khumi community into its ranks.
The Khumi Media Group (KMG) reports that civilians in Paletwa Township, Chin State, are fleeing their villages after allegations surfaced that the AA had begun coercing locals into joining the armed group. Since mid-November, the Arakan Army has reportedly carried out recruitment drives through public meetings and visits to villages.
Over 500 Khumi residents have reportedly fled to Mizoram in India and other parts of Myanmar to avoid conscription. Those who have escaped to Mizoram have confirmed the veracity of these claims to WSNews24.
According to KMG, both adult men and women, including some mothers, have been specifically targeted for recruitment. Individuals who refuse are reportedly detained at checkpoints and sent to training camps.
Khumi residents have stated that they wish to live peacefully and condemned the alleged abuses against civilians. These tactics mirror those previously employed by the Arakan Army against Rohingya communities.
Since clashes between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s military began in October 2023, Rohingya civilians have also faced forced recruitment and other pressures, leading many to flee to neighboring countries.
