
Over 40 Locals Arrested in Taungup Township for Protesting AA Conscription
- Arakan Now
- May 25
- 1 min read
Arakan Now - May 25, 2025
More than 40 Rakhine residents in Taungup Township were arrested on May 18 after protesting the Arakan Army’s (AA) forced conscription order.
The protests happened in five villages. The detainees remain in custody, causing worry among their families.
Locals said they do not oppose the AA itself but reject compulsory recruitment. One villager said, “Many join the AA willingly to fight for freedom, but forcing those who don’t want to serve is unfair.” Some arrested include long-time AA supporters and women working in farming.
Protesters aimed to alert AA leaders, not the media, due to internet shutdowns and strict information controls in the area.
On May 22, the AA announced that men aged 18 to 45 and women aged 18 to 25 must serve and cannot leave Rakhine. This policy worries many young people who want to study or work outside the region.
Locals call on the AA to reconsider the conscription order and to release those detained immediately.