by Hafizur Rahman
Rohingya residents in Mengagyi village say fear and tension have increased after members of the Arakan Army held a meeting in the village on February 5, 2026, during which demands were made that residents say threaten the safety of their children.
According to people who attended the meeting, the armed group instructed village members to prepare lists of Rohingya girls as young as 15 years old. Residents said the group also demanded that Rohingya boys and girls take part in fighting against what it described as the “Junta government” and ARSA.
Villagers said the messages delivered during the meeting caused immediate fear among families, particularly parents of young children.
Threats Against Information Sharing
Residents said the Arakan Army warned the community not to share information about the meeting with any other groups or authorities. According to those present, the group threatened immediate action against anyone who informed others about what was discussed.
A Rohingya father from Mengagyi village said the situation has left families feeling powerless.
“We are very scared for our children,” he said. “They are forcing young people, even girls, to be involved. We have no power to refuse.”
A young woman from the village said the demands have made daily life feel increasingly unsafe.
“This is not our fight,” she said. “We only want to live in safety, but now our lives feel more dangerous.”
Another resident described the dilemma faced by families.
“If we speak out, we fear punishment,” the resident said. “If we stay silent, our children are at risk.”
Growing Fear in the Community
Residents said the meeting has heightened fear and uncertainty across Mengagyi village, with Rohingya families deeply worried about forced involvement of their children and the consequences of refusing such demands.
Local people said the situation remains tense, as families struggle to protect their children while living under the threat of punishment for resistance or disclosure.
