Families Accuse Arakan Army of Forcibly Conscripting Underage Students from Indigenous Minority Communities
Families from indigenous minority communities in Arakan State say underage students are being detained and forcibly conscripted in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, despite official age limits. Appeals for their release have largely gone unanswered, leaving communities in fear and raising concerns about the safety and future of vulnerable minority groups.
Arakan State — Family members and representatives of several indigenous ethnic minority communities say that the Arakan Army has been arresting and forcibly conscripting underage individuals, including students, in areas under its control.
According to families, those affected include members of Chakma, Mro, Daingnet, Khumi, Chin, and Rohingya communities. Among those detained are students aged 15 and 16 who were studying in Grades 10 and 11. Families say they have submitted appeals requesting the release of their children and other underage individuals, but most have not been freed.
A Chakma parent from an area under AA control said their 16-year-old daughter, a Grade 11 student, was detained and told she must serve in the military. The parent said they had appealed for her release but had received no response. They added that many others have been taken in similar circumstances and that people are too afraid to speak openly due to the situation on the ground.
Family members also said those who have been forcibly conscripted are reluctant to speak out because they fear for their safety and livelihoods. According to the regulation announced by the AA, men aged 18 to 45 and women aged 18 to 25 are subject to conscription through a lottery system in all areas under its control.
The process is reportedly overseen by political officers, district and township officials, and village administrators linked to the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government. The AA previously announced that the Emergency National Defense Regulation had been enacted on March 18, 2025, and made public on May 22 of the same year.
Despite the stated age limits, families and community members say that in practice, individuals under 18, including students, are also being taken. They warn that this is creating fear among minority communities and could threaten their survival, given their already small population in these areas.
A member of the Chin community said indigenous groups are especially vulnerable and lack protection. They expressed concern that young people are being taken while communities are unable to respond due to fear. They also said such actions are damaging trust.
The AA has stated that the Emergency National Defense Regulation is intended to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arakan State and to defend against internal and external threats. It has said that all citizens share equal responsibilities and rights in building a defense system that includes all ethnic and religious groups.
According to the regulation, those conscripted are required to undergo 45 days of training and serve for two years. After completing their service, individuals may choose to continue or take roles within departments of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
Families say they have requested the release of underage students, mothers of young children, and married women who have been conscripted, but most requests have not been granted. Community members say the situation has left families anxious and fearful, with limited ability to move to safer areas.
Representatives of indigenous groups also said that while they are sometimes allowed to hold cultural events and ceremonies, they believe greater protection is needed, particularly for students and underage youths.
A Khumi community member said that people are unable to leave and are forced to endure the situation. They added that fear has prevented many from speaking out, and that the difficulties faced by minority communities remain largely unseen.