by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township, Arakan State | January 2, 2026
Fear is spreading among Rohingya residents in Maungdaw after the Arakan Army began collecting names for forced military service, with lists reportedly including women and children under the age of 18, according to multiple local sources.
Residents said the name collection took place in Shwe Zar village and Latha ward, where members of the Arakan Army went door to door and recorded names directly from household registration lists. Families said they were given no choice or explanation.
“They came suddenly and asked for our family list,” said a Rohingya man from Shwe Zar village. “They did not ask our opinion. They just wrote down the names.”
According to residents, AA members divided people into two groups: those under 18 and those over 18. Both males and females were included in the lists. In households where no adult man was present, women’s names were reportedly taken instead.
A Rohingya woman from Latha ward said she was shocked when her name was recorded.
“My husband is not here. When they did not find a man in our house, they took my name,” she said. “I asked why women are included. They told us everyone must serve.”
Another local resident said village leaders questioned AA members about listing women and girls, but received a blunt response.
“They said no house will be spared,” the resident said. “If needed, girls and women must also go.”
Since the recruitment drive began, Rohingya residents say movement restrictions in Maungdaw have tightened further. Travel between the northern and southern parts of the town is now heavily controlled.
For funerals, medical emergencies, or other urgent needs, residents must obtain permission from local offices. Villagers said they are being asked to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 kyats for a single travel letter.
“We are trapped,” said a Rohingya elder. “If we stay, we are forced to join. If we move, we need permission and money we do not have.”
Many residents said the forced recruitment revives memories of earlier abuses, when Rohingya civilians were accused, arrested, and punished during periods of conflict. Villages were burned, young men disappeared, and families were torn apart.
Now, residents fear history is repeating itself.
“There are very few of us left here,” said a young Rohingya man from Maungdaw. “Only a small number of Rohingya still live in this town. If they take our children and women, our future will disappear.”
Local sources said humanitarian aid to Rohingya areas remains restricted, while daily life is tightly controlled through checkpoints, permissions, and intimidation. At the same time, fear of forced recruitment continues to spread from house to house.
Because of the growing pressure, some families are quietly preparing to flee.
“Life here is becoming impossible,” one resident said. “We just want safety. Nothing more.”
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