Yangon — Nearly 50 Rohingya Muslim internally displaced persons were detained during a joint operation by local administrative authorities and members of a nationalist group in Dawbon Township, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.
The arrests took place on the evening of May 2 in Nwe Aye Ward, where officials conducted house inspections. Those detained were Rohingya individuals who had fled conflict in Arakan State and were living in the area.
Reports indicate that around 40 of those arrested were young people who had escaped fighting in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. In addition, 10 teachers who were providing them with education were also taken into custody.
Witnesses said the detainees had identification documents, but were still described as illegal entrants and arrested. Sources also stated that members of a nationalist religious network were involved in the operation alongside local administrative officials.
Political observers say the nature of the arrests has raised concerns beyond routine security enforcement. They warn that such actions could contribute to rising ethnic tension at a sensitive time in the country.
All detainees are currently being held at Dala Township Police Station. Authorities have not issued any official explanation regarding the arrests.
Analysts caution that incidents like this risk deepening mistrust among communities and could affect broader stability during the ongoing political situation in Myanmar.
