by Hafizur Rahman
Rohingya residents in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, say members of the Arakan Army have entered empty Rohingya homes and removed household property, while preventing family members from reclaiming belongings left behind.
During recent fighting in Maungdaw between the Myanmar military Junta and the Arakan Army, many Rohingya families fled their villages to escape violence. Some moved to other parts of Myanmar, while others crossed into Bangladesh. Since then, numerous houses have remained vacant.
According to local residents, Arakan Army members have been entering these homes and taking items such as furniture, water tanks, and other household goods. Family members who remained in nearby areas reportedly have not been permitted to remove or sell property from the houses, even when the owners are their immediate relatives.
“We fled because of the fighting,” one Rohingya man said. “Now they say our homes are ownerless, but these houses belong to us. Everything inside is being taken.”
Another resident said families are afraid to protest openly.
“They do not allow us to touch anything from our own homes,” the resident said. “Even if our parents built the house, we are told it no longer belongs to us.”
Announcement on Empty Properties
Local sources said Arakan Army leaders have announced that empty Rohingya houses may be demolished and that property without the original owner present will be treated as government property under their administration.
Residents said this announcement has increased fear among displaced families who are already uncertain about their ability to return.
A displaced Rohingya woman said the situation has deepened their sense of loss.
“We lost our land and our home,” she said. “Now even our small belongings are gone.”
Growing Uncertainty
Residents said Rohingya communities are currently unable to return safely to their villages, while at the same time facing the loss of property left behind. Families expressed concern that without legal protection or guarantees, they may permanently lose ownership of their homes and belongings.
Rohingya residents said they are seeking safety, the right to return to their homes, and protection of their property amid ongoing instability in the region.
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