By: Camp Correspondent
The Arakan Army (AA) has begun collecting livestock records from Rohingya communities in villages across northern and southern Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, starting December 19, 2024. Villages affected by this directive include Kyaukhlaykhar, Tharay Ouk, Mangala Gyi, Paungzar, Hlabawzar, Yekyaw Taung, Kyatyo Pyin, Pyinphyu, Nganchang, Ngakhurya, Habirzar, Dunyin Pin Gyi, Panin Pin Gyi, Padin, Zawmadat, and Nakaungto.
According to reports, AA soldiers, in groups of five, entered these villages and called for meetings with Rohingya villagers through their respective village administrators. The meetings, held under the supervision of AA soldiers, issued directives to record livestock, including buffaloes, cows, goats, and chickens raised by the villagers. Village administrators, unable to refuse the orders, are now gathering these lists.
“Yes, yesterday morning, groups of AA soldiers came to our village and instructed the village administrators to collect livestock data. We were told it was for tax collection purposes,” said a villager who spoke on condition of anonymity.
An AA officer reportedly explained the purpose behind the data collection: “We are gathering these records to collect taxes for the national treasury. Every household raising livestock will be required to pay taxes. Additionally, we have a responsibility to develop our towns and villages. The AA plans to establish livestock farming facilities in every area, and villagers will be required to contribute a specified number of animals based on their village’s population and livestock count.”
The directive has left villagers concerned about the financial burden and its potential impact on their already fragile livelihoods. Human rights groups are monitoring the situation closely, raising questions about the implications of such taxation on vulnerable communities.
