Khumi Community Flees Paletwa After Alleged Forced Recruitment by Arakan Army

Khumi fleeing because of Arakan Army’s recruitment (Photo: KMG)

Arakan Now | 17 Dec 2025 

The Khumi Media Group (KMG) reports that Khumi civilians in Paletwa Township, Chin State, are fleeing their villages after the Arakan Army allegedly began forcibly recruiting civilians.

 Since mid-November, the Arakan Army has reportedly carried out recruitment through public meetings and village visits. More than 500 Khumi residents have fled to Mizoram, India, and other parts of Myanmar to avoid recruitment.

According to KMG, adult men and women, including some mothers, are being targeted.Those who refuse are reportedly detained at checkpoints and sent to training camps.

Khumi residents say they want to live peacefully and condemn what they describe as abuses against civilians. This reflects the same pattern the Arakan Army has applied to Rohingya communities.

 Since the conflict with Myanmar’s military began in October 2023, Rohingya civilians have faced forced recruitment and pressure, pushing many to flee to neighboring countries.