Narinjara, 8 May 2025 

Six fishermen from Pauktaw Township in Rakhine State, who were fishing with a boat, were allegedly detained by the junta Navy operating in the area. 

Those taken into custody comprised U Khaing Kyaw Nyunt, U Aung Htet Lin, and U Shwe Kyar Maung from Tan Tin Village, along with Maung Thet Chey and U Soe Naing from Ngarot Chaung Village in Pauktaw Township. 

A local individual from Pauktaw informed Narinjara that they were detained by the junta Navy patrol in the waters between Kyauk Phyu and Pauktaw Township around 5pm on May 3rd while they were fishing. 

"The Danyawaddy Naval Headquarters of Thit Pote Taung’s Navy detained them. They arrived in a speedboat and took the fishermen into custody. Initially, they underwent an examination at the Naval Headquarters. Subsequently, they were taken to the Kyaukpyu Police Station. They haven't been reached out to so far," he stated. 

The six men were allegedly transferred to the Kyaukpyu Police Station via Naval Headquarters, but their families are anxious since they have not heard from them. 

Local fishers claim that residents from three islands—Myay Ngu Island, Phadu Island, and Inkyin Chai Island—support themselves through fishing. The junta navy frequently detains them between Pauktaw and Kyaukpyu Township, hindering their ability to earn a livelihood. 

On April 5, 23 fishermen utilizing three boats near Myay Ngu Island in Pauktaw Township were seized by the navy and have been missing for a month. 

Since the renewed conflict with the Arakan Army began on November 23, 2023, the military council has rigorously barred Rakhine fishermen from fishing at sea and has frequently been shooting and detaining them. 

Over the past four years since the military coup, over 500 individuals in Rakhine State have lost their lives, and more than 450 have been detained due to assaults on civilians by junta forces, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) on May 1.