Chin activists and KACC are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of these abducted civilians. They are calling for their immediate release.

“We understand AA has political objectives. They can fight with Tatmadaw wherever they want. It’s their decision. But they shouldn’t take advantage of civilians for their own agenda,” Saw Mya added.

Photos of the missing 52 villagers and their names have been widely circulated on Facebook, yet local and international media have paid little attention to their case.

Fighting between the AA and Tatmadaw in Rakhine State spiked at the beginning of 2019. It spilled over into neighboring Chin State’s Paletwa Township, where the AA reportedly abducted residents from a dozen households. Predominantly Buddhist Rakhine State maintains an aggressive attitude toward people of other faiths, which poses a threat to the state’s primarily Christian Chin ethnic group.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We urge the Burmese government to interfere and rescue the kidnapped Chin civilians who fell victim to the ongoing armed conflict between the AA and the government troops. They should be returned home safely and quickly before their lives are further endangered.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org