By: Camp Correspondent
Buthidaung, May 13, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly arrested 15 Rohingya fishermen from Dar Paing Sayar village in Buthidaung Township while they were fishing in natural waters near Phon Taw Pyin on the morning of May 6.
The arrests have sparked fear and confusion in the local community.
“We don’t know why they were taken. They were just fishing—trying to survive,” said a villager who witnessed the incident but asked to remain anonymous.
Just two weeks before this incident, AA/ULA members had visited Dar Paing Sayar and held a meeting with local residents. Villagers say they openly shared their dire situation during the meeting—explaining that they were jobless, facing hunger, and needed permission to fish in order to feed their families. They had hoped for understanding and support.
Instead, the unexpected arrests have devastated the already struggling village. Locals say the detained men are now being held at Camp No. 7, under the control of the Maung Nu police unit, which is operated by AA forces in Buthidaung.
“People are terrified. They think they could be next. Many families are now seriously considering fleeing to Bangladesh,” said another resident.
In addition to the arrests, local reports indicate that in the last three weeks, around 100 Rohingya families from Dar Paing Sayar have already been forcibly relocated to other villages within Buthidaung by AA/ULA.
The series of actions—relocations, arrests, and restrictions—appear to be part of a broader pattern of pressure targeting Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine. Community leaders warn that unless the AA halts such tactics and engages in genuine dialogue, further displacement and humanitarian crisis may unfold in the coming weeks.
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