Border News Agency
Rathedaung, November 7.
The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) returned four underage youths who had arrived to serve in the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) to their families on November 5.
The four youths are Maung Si Thu Aung, 13; Maung Chit Myat Zaw, 14; Maung Maung Win Soe, 15; and Maung Hein Htet Zaw, all from Rathedaung Township.
They arrived on November 4 to serve in the department. Responsible officials temporarily received and screened them before confirming that they were underage. Their families were then contacted and asked to come and take them back.
The Arakan Army also stated that it does not accept minors, students, or people with health conditions for military service.
On October 28, ULA/AA also handed over two underage youths from Mrauk-U Township to their families after they arrived to join military service.
Local residents have been living in fear and anxiety due to heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes by the military junta. Some young people have also voluntarily approached the Arakan Army (AA), motivated by a desire to seek protection and participate in the defence of their local communities.
