Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray)— Seven internally displaced people (IDP) from Rakhine State, including one Chin national, have been arrested in Padan, a town near the ongoing fighting around the Nattwan Taung outpost in Ngaphe Township, Magway Region.

The individuals are internally displaced persons from Ann Township who were fleeing to Padan to escape intensified fighting in Rakhine. According to a local source, the Chin national was arrested on April 23, while six Rakhine nationals were arrested on April 24.

According to Narinjara’s investigation, the detained Chin national is Ko Kyaw Naing, 40, from Natmaw village, Darletchaung, Ann Township. The identities and ages of the other six are still under investigation.

“The refugees were arrested in the past two days. They are mainly male refugees from Rakhine. We have not received any news about the seven people who were arrested to this day,” a local source said.

An eyewitness told Narinjara that the Chin national was arrested in Padan town, while the six Rakhine nationals were detained by the military council at the Nattwan petrol station checkpoint while riding motorbikes.

“Those arrested were working in Padan, trying to support their families. The six Rakhine nationals were arrested at the checkpoint on three motorbikes. Neither the motorcycles nor the people have been seen since,” a Rakhine refugee told Narinjara.

This follows an incident on the evening of April 9, where the military arrested Ko Zin Ko, 32, from Zinpyun village, who was working at a construction site in Ann town, without providing a reason.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, at least 500 young and middle-aged individuals from Rakhine State, including Rakhine and Chin residents fleeing the war in Padan Township, have been arrested by the Burmese military. Reports indicate that most were forcibly conscripted into the army as militia soldiers, with many going missing without a trace.