By: Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, Rakhine State – On January 26, two Rohingya men from Shiddapara, Minglargyi Village Tract, Maungdaw North, were reportedly abducted by the Arakan Army (AA) for wearing and selling T-shirts featuring the Palestinian flag. Both men are said to be enduring inhumane torture under AA custody.
Local sources report that Imram, a 21-year-old son of U Zawhir Ahmat, was sitting in a betel nut shop wearing a Palestinian flag T-shirt when AA soldiers confronted him. One of the soldiers reportedly shouted,
“We, Rakhine people, are not like Jews who oppress others,”
before taking Imram to the Pyin Phyu camp (Area 6) for interrogation about the T-shirt’s origin.
Imram disclosed that he purchased the T-shirt from Maulvi Zubair’s shop in Kyauk Hlay Kar market. Following this, 10 AA soldiers raided Zubair’s shop, abducted him, and subjected him to brutal torture. There has been no information regarding their release.
Youth Arrests and Targeted Raids in Buthidaung Township
In a separate development, AA forces reportedly detained Rohingya youths in Sein Hyin Pya Village Tract, Buthidaung Township, accusing them of links to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). These accusations have been used to justify raids on Rohingya villages.
During these raids, AA soldiers have allegedly extorted money, destroyed crucial documents—including land registration papers and shop ownership records—and created an environment of fear. A local resident shared:
“They are destroying our history, our identity. Without land papers, we have nothing left to prove who we are.”
Another villager expressed distress over the arrests:
“Our youth are being targeted without evidence. These false accusations are breaking our community apart.”
Growing Fear and Distress
These incidents reflect the increasing persecution faced by the Rohingya community in Rakhine State. Arbitrary arrests, torture, and destruction of property have left locals in a state of constant fear. The international community is being urged to take immediate steps to protect the rights and safety of Rohingya civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.
