By: Camp Correspondent
Buthidaung, Rakhine State — May 19, 2025
On the first anniversary of its capture of Buthidaung Town, the Arakan Army (AA) released 314 detained individuals, mostly non-Rohingya civilians from military-linked families. However, hundreds of Rohingya civilians arrested during the same period remain unreleased, sparking growing anger and concern among local Rohingya communities.
Those released on May 18 included members of the Thet, Khami, Mro, Daingnet, and Rakhine ethnic groups. According to the AA, this was a “gesture of goodwill” to commemorate their victory in May 2024, when they seized control of Buthidaung from Myanmar junta forces.
But for many Rohingya families, there was no celebration.
“My younger brother is a shopkeeper—not part of any group. But he was arrested just for being Rohingya,” said Salim Ullah, a resident of Buthidaung.
“We still don’t know where he is.”
Others shared similar stories of loved ones taken without explanation.
“They said my husband had links to armed groups. But he’s just a farmer. It’s been almost a year—we’ve heard nothing,” said Halima Khatun, holding back tears.
Despite public announcements of possible future releases from other townships, no statement has been made about the fate of detained Rohingya civilians. An AA source, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that any decision to release Rohingya detainees will depend on senior leadership—but gave no timeline.
Community leaders are now urging the AA to uphold justice and equality, warning that this selective treatment deepens mistrust and further alienates the Rohingya population, who are already suffering under years of displacement, discrimination, and now targeted detention.
“This silence speaks volumes,” said a Rohingya elder.
“We ask: Are we not human enough to be remembered? To be freed?”
