Nearly 400 Muslims remain in custody in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan (Rakhine) State, including those who were intercepted while traveling by boat from Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Kyauktaw townships, as well as Sittwe residents. Those arrested by the junta earlier this month have now been held for nearly a month.

“In total, between the people caught at sea and those arrested in the city, there are almost 400 of us. Some are being held in the prison, and others are stuck in dormitories that previously housed Covid-19 patients,” a Muslim resident in Sittwe told DMG.

Of the 248 Muslims detained on January 1, 28 people, reportedly minors, were released and handed over to a displacement camp committee. However, locals said families were forced to pay 2.5 million MMK for each released individual.

Muslims in Sittwe continue to face arbitrary arrests, interrogations, and forced conscription, with many reportedly undergoing military training under the junta’s coercion. Some recruits have attempted to desert due to oppressive conditions, prompting the junta to launch intensive manhunts to recapture those who fled.

Reports indicated that an investigation team from Naypyidaw has arrived in Sittwe to oversee Muslim-related affairs. Local brokers have reportedly instructed residents to tell the team if questioned, that immigration services are being provided free of charge.

“It’s probably linked to the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing. This team from Naypyidaw has been checking on Muslim affairs. We don’t know all the details, but we’ve heard brokers are telling people to say that immigration services are free,” another Sittwe resident explained.

Meanwhile, many locals in Sittwe continue to struggle under the junta’s heavy blockades, facing severe hardships in securing basic necessities, healthcare, and daily livelihoods.