by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township | January 7, 2026
The Arakan Army (AA) blocked all entry and exit points of Shwe Zar village tract in Maungdaw Township on Tuesday, according to local residents, before ordering Rohingya youths to prepare for military training. The move has created fear and tension across the area.
Residents said AA members sealed off the village and later held a meeting near Shwe Zar market. During the gathering, shops were partially closed and many families stayed inside their homes, afraid of what might happen.
A Rohingya resident told Rohingya Khobor that around two weeks ago, the AA quietly collected a list of 44 Rohingya youths from Zay Di Pyin hamlet, which falls under Shwe Zar village tract. The list included both young men and young women.
“They collected the names silently before, but today they showed the list openly in front of everyone,” the resident said. “That is when people truly became afraid.”
During the meeting, AA members handed the list to the village administration team and ordered them to gather all 44 youths by the next day. Villagers were told that AA members would return to speak directly with those whose names were listed.
According to residents, AA officials announced that 20 youths would be selected first and sent for military training as an initial group. The remaining youths would be taken later.
“They said all 44 must go for training sooner or later,” another Rohingya villager told Rohingya Khobor. “They warned that if anyone refuses, that person will be forced to leave the country.”
The warning has caused deep fear among families, especially parents. After the meeting, several mothers were seen crying, worried about the safety of their children.
“My son is only 18,” said a father from Zay Di Pyin hamlet. “We are simple villagers. We do not want war. Now we do not know how to protect our children.”
Local residents said fear of forced recruitment is spreading beyond Shwe Zar. In recent weeks, many Rohingya families from Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships have already fled their homes. Others are quietly preparing to leave, even though they do not know where they will go.
Villagers said nights have become sleepless, with families whispering about escape and hoping the situation will not worsen. For now, uncertainty hangs over Shwe Zar village as residents wait anxiously for what tomorrow may bring.
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