In a development concerning the Kyauktalone refugee camp, it has been confirmed by sources close to the Muslim community that the military council carried out arrests of more than one hundred individuals in the Kyauktalone Muslim refugee camp situated in the Kyauk Phyu township earlier today.
Reports indicate that troops from the 542 Khmara Battalion, under the authority of the Military Council and stationed in Kyauk Phyu, conducted the operation, deploying approximately 50 personnel for the task.
Confirming the incident, a source within the Muslim camp stated, ‘Yes, they came and conducted arrests this morning. The count exceeds 100, but I cannot confirm precisely yet. I am uncertain as to the exact reasons for the arrests. The arrests appear to be related to enforcing military service obligations.
This action follows a statement issued by the Military Council on February 24th, wherein it was announced that 150 individuals from the Muslim population residing in the Kyauktalone Muslim refugee camp would be conscripted into military service. Today’s operation was purportedly intended to conduct a census for the enlistment process.
Allegations suggest that the arrests resulted from the Muslim community’s refusal to comply with the military’s conscription demands. Additionally, it has been reported that in response to this non-compliance, the Military Council terminated the WFA grant previously allocated to the community.
Presently, security at the Kyauktalone Muslim Refugee Camp is overseen by the 32nd Police Battalion, with approximately 70 personnel deployed for this purpose.
A resident of the camp disclosed, ‘I am unable to converse over the phone as security has been assumed by the police.
According to sources close to the Muslim refugee camp, those arrested have been detained within the confines of the food warehouse located within the premises of the Kyauktalone Muslim refugee camp.
However, General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military council, refuted claims of any arrests or conscription of Muslims, asserting that the military treats the Muslim community in Rakhine with fraternal regard, and no such actions have been taken against them.
