Junta forces in multiple regions of Yangon have been performing overnight guest list checks at dormitories, residences, and workers' housing where Arakanese individuals live. During these checks, people are said to be compelled to remove their shirts so officials can examine them for tattoos associated with Arakan nationalism.

An Arakanese individual who came to Yangon mentioned, "During the overnight guest list checks, their initial step is to confirm our registration and validate our National Registration Cards. Next, they require us to remove our shirts to check for tattoos linked to Arakan nationalism. Ultimately, they check our phones for any images or messages related to the Arakan Army (AA).”

He mentioned that several Arakanese men sport tattoos featuring the words "Arakanese blood" on their arms and forearms, while some display an eagle along with the word "Arakan" in English on their backs.

"Anyone sporting a tattoo associated with Arakan nationalism is detained. If a tattoo associated with the AA is discovered, there’s no assurance of being freed. I've heard that if you sport such a tattoo, they will seize you, hit you, and might even slice your skin. They believe that anyone sporting these tattoos is an Arakan nationalist or an AA supporter, and they detain you," he stated.

A Shwe Pyi Thar local reported that over the past few nights, a dormitory housing Arakanese youths near Htan Chauk Pin in Shwe Pyi Thar was raided, with their bodies and phones being inspected.

“They instructed everyone to remove their shirts to examine for tattoos. Approximately 20 young individuals from Arakan State had arrived to work in the factories. They additionally signed up on the overnight visitor list. The junta troops found no tattoos on their bodies or anything on their phones, so nobody was taken into custody," he stated.

He mentioned that nighttime operations are occurring in various regions of Yangon, particularly in North Dagon, Shwe Pyi Thar, and Hlaing Thar Yar. Numerous individuals have been detained, and those who can't afford the ransom have been transferred to Insein Prison.

Arakanese women have also been included among those arrested, as junta forces are said to detain them primarily when they discover images or messages linked to the AA on their devices.

Last week, two young women from Arakan were taken to Insein Prison after images and messages connected to the AA were discovered on their phones. They are presently dealing with accusations.

On the night of December 31, a young Arakanese woman from North Dagon Township was apprehended as she awaited her friends for a New Year's celebration. She was said to be held at a police station.