By: Camp Correspondent
March 11, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA/ULA) has been accused of selectively targeting Rohingya business owners by seizing their properties in Maungdaw Township while leaving Rakhine business owners with ties to the Myanmar military council untouched.
This alleged discriminatory practice has sparked widespread concern among Rohingya residents.
Targeting of Rohingya Business Owners
On March 11, the AA/ULA sealed off the homes of two well-known Rohingya businessmen in Maungdaw town:
- Akaram (also known as Alom) from Latha Village
- Jiabul Haq (also known as Isuf Ali) from Barsufa Village
The AA justified these actions by accusing them of collaborating with the military council. However, local sources dispute these claims, stating that both businessmen had maintained good relations with Rakhine and Rohingya communities and had no direct political involvement.
Some believe Rakhine individuals with vested interests may have fabricated accusations to take control of their properties.
Similar incidents have occurred in recent days:
- On March 3, the AA sealed the house of Yusuf, son of Haji Shong Shu, near a primary school in Ywa Thit Kay ward.
- Another Rohingya businessman, Win Naing, had his house sealed near the Thirimangala Hall in Ward 4.
- Both men were known for their business ties with the Rakhine community and had previously operated under the AA’s administration.
No Action Against Rakhine Businessmen Linked to the Military
Despite these actions against Rohingya business owners, the AA has not taken similar steps against Rakhine business owners with direct ties to the military council.
In Maungdaw town, well-connected Rakhine businessmen such as:
- Maung Maung Kyaw (owner of MK Shop)
- Daw Khin Saw Wei (Ward 4)
- Tun Hla Sein (Ward 1)
- Maung Hla Phyu (Ward 3)
- Ni Maung Chay (Ward 1)
have not faced any property seizures, despite their previous collaborations with Myanmar’s military council.
Similarly, in Buthidaung Township, the AA has spared influential Rakhine business figures, including:
- Maung Shwe Thein
- Maung Kalu
- The Maha San festival group
- U Tin Soe, a gold trader
These individuals were previously close to the military council, yet they continue to operate freely without any interference from the AA.
Confiscation of Displaced Rohingya Families’ Homes
As the conflict in Rakhine State escalates, many civilians have been forced to flee their homes. However, in Shwe Zar village, where some displaced Rohingya families were recently allowed to return, the AA has reportedly placed red signboards on over 50 homes, marking them for confiscation.
Additionally, more than 30 houses in Kyain Tan ward in Maungdaw town have also been marked for seizure, further fueling fears of forced displacement and land confiscation.
Growing Concern Over Selective Targeting
Rohingya residents express growing alarm over what they see as systematic discrimination, where Rakhine individuals with military connections continue to operate freely, while Rohingya business owners are being stripped of their properties.
“The AA is selectively targeting Rohingya entrepreneurs, while Rakhine business elites who worked closely with the military regime remain untouched. This is not about justice, it is about ethnic control,” said a Rohingya resident from Maungdaw.
Many fear these actions could further deepen ethnic divisions and create lasting tensions in the region, making the safe return and reintegration of displaced Rohingya communities increasingly difficult.
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