Yangon:Myanmar's military authorities have initiated the release of ethnic Rakhine nationals who were repatriated from Malaysia following Kuala Lumpur's request for clarification regarding their reported detention.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the releases began shortly after Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan addressed parliamentary questions concerning the returnees. Malaysia sought clarification from Myanmar over allegations that approximately 300 returnees remained in military detention.

Reports indicate that individuals with proper identification documents are being allowed to return to their homes. A member of the Khamee community, speaking anonymously, confirmed that his brother was released after the family provided the necessary documentation.

The Irrawaddy reported that over 400 ethnic Rakhine were among nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals who were repatriated from Malaysia in late September. Unlike other returnees, the ethnic Rakhine were reportedly detained for questioning at military facilities in Yangon.

The Khamee Youth Unity Association noted that 26 Khamee individuals were among those detained. Minister Mohamad Hasan had previously stated that Malaysia would instruct its chargé d’affaires to investigate the conditions of the remaining detainees.

The repatriation process, deemed voluntary by Malaysian authorities, involved the return of 1,476 Myanmar nationals, including men, women, and children. The operation was conducted via three Myanmar naval vessels from Malaysian immigration detention centers.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military coup in 2021, with international organizations expressing concerns over the safety of returnees under current conditions.