January 18, 2025
In northern Maungdaw, Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) has allegedly coerced Rohingya refugees and local business owners into contributing more than 10 million kyat to repair damaged infrastructure. The collection was imposed during a meeting held on January 17, 2025, at the Pyin Phyu Township office (Zone-6).
The meeting was attended by approximately 50 individuals, including village administrators, local business owners, and displaced war refugees from villages such as Kyauk Hle Kar, Mingalar Gyi, Paung Zaar, Hla Baw Zaar, Shwe Zaar, and Pyin Phyu. According to sources, AA officials demanded that attendees contribute financial aid for the restoration of the Hla Baw Zaar Bridge and the Hla Pho Khaung-Kyee Kan Pyin Road, both of which were damaged during clashes with Myanmar junta forces.
During the meeting, Battalion Commander Khaing Lone and the Deputy Township Officer reportedly insisted that each individual contribute a minimum of 500,000 kyat. Those unable to comply faced threats of restricted access to the repaired infrastructure and had their names recorded for potential reprisals.
“Most of us are refugees who have already lost everything. Instead of offering assistance, they are exploiting our vulnerability. This feels like replacing one form of oppression with another,” said a participant at the meeting, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns.
By the end of the meeting, reports indicate that over 5.5 million kyat had already been collected. Many refugees and local residents expressed anger and frustration over these demands, as they are already struggling with extreme poverty and displacement.
