Chin Group in Japan Rejects AA Move on Paletwa

Arakan Now | 31 December 2025

The Chin Community in Japan has strongly opposed the Arakan Army’s decision to designate Paletwa township as a district of Rakhine State, saying the move violates federal principles and ignores the wishes of local people.

In a statement released on December 30, the group said Paletwa is an official township of Chin State and any change to its administrative status must involve the consent of the local Chin population. It said the decision was made unilaterally by the ULA/AA, without consultation, and runs against the basic principles of federal democracy.

The Chin Community in Japan also raised concerns about conditions in Paletwa since the ULA/AA took full control of the area. According to the statement, Chin civilians have faced human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, assaults against religious leaders and civilians, forced recruitment, and discrimination based on ethnicity and religion.