by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Arakan State — September 23, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA) has issued a directive ordering Rohingya people across Maungdaw Township to dismantle the fences surrounding their homes, a move locals fear will leave them even more vulnerable to theft and violence.
The order was broadcast via loudspeaker by AA patrols moving from village to village on Tuesday morning. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the announcement specifically targeted Rohingya communities and did not apply to non-Muslim residents.
Community leaders have expressed deep concern over the directive. They argue that the removal of protective barriers, combined with an existing night-time curfew that confines people to their homes, effectively strips away a fundamental layer of security.
“This is not just about a fence; it’s about our safety. Without it, anyone can easily enter our compounds. It feels like they are giving permission to steal from us and harm us,” said a Rohingya community elder who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals.
The order exacerbates an already tense security situation. Residents report a recent increase in burglaries during curfew hours, a time when only AA patrols are permitted to move freely. A prominent incident involved the break-in of two shops in the Northern Maungdaw market. Many locals suspect the involvement of armed individuals, but claim that AA authorities have not conducted credible investigations.
“The curfew means we are trapped inside our homes while these crimes happen. Now, they want to take away the fences that give us a small sense of protection. The fear among women and families is immense,” a local resident told Rohingya Khobor.
The AA administration has not provided a public explanation for the new directive. The order is seen by human rights observers as a targeted measure that increases the perceived pressure on the Rohingya population, further endangering lives and property.
This development signals a deterioration in the humanitarian and security conditions for Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine State, raising urgent concerns among international aid groups monitoring the region.
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