Dozens of undocumented Muslims were reportedly arrested at a security checkpoint in Mon State’s Bilin Township on September 22.

The military and police detained 36 Muslims at Shwe Thanlwin security checkpoint in Bilin at around 10 p.m. on Thursday, said an unnamed security official.

The detained Muslims were 22 men and 14 women including some children, and they were transported in three vehicles.

“Security personnel conducted checks on three vehicles based on a tipoff and arrested 36 undocumented Muslims,” the security checkpoint official said.

The detained Muslims are from a handful of townships in Arakan State, and their details are yet to be disclosed, but they are being examined at the Bilin Myoma police station, according to a person close to the police station.

“They [the 36 Muslims] are being questioned at the police station and I don’t know what action will be taken against them,” said an unnamed police officer.

Risking arrest and prosecution on immigration charges with potential imprisonment of up to five years, Muslims in Arakan State continue to attempt to leave Arakan State to work elsewhere in the country or abroad.