by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State | December 6, 2025
Rohingya residents of northern Maungdaw say armed members of the Arakan Army have increasingly entered their villages in recent weeks, taking goods from shops without payment and assaulting people on the road. Community members said the behaviour has created widespread fear at a time when civilians already face insecurity.
Villagers from several areas under Zone Six, including Mingalar Gyi, Kyauk Lyu Khar, Tharye Auk, Hla Baw Zaar and Pyin Phyu, told Rohingya Khobor that AA soldiers often walk into local shops and demand food, drinks and cigarettes. Shopkeepers said the soldiers act as if they have full authority over the place.
One shopkeeper said soldiers frequently pick up items from his shelves and leave without paying. He said they took soft drinks, betel nut and noodles, and that he was punched when he asked for payment. He said the soldiers took two full packs of cigarettes last week and walked out laughing.
Another villager said the soldiers threaten shopkeepers if they refuse to give items on credit. He said some soldiers insulted them and grabbed goods from the shelves, leaving families unable to replace stock for their small shops.
Residents also reported that people walking alone or in pairs are more likely to be assaulted. A young man said that if someone walks alone they are punched, if two walk together they are slapped, and if a group passes by they are ignored. He said people now avoid walking after sunset because the pattern has become common.
On the night of December 4, several soldiers in Mingalar Gyi North reportedly stopped a group of Rohingya returning from prayers. Witnesses said the soldiers insulted them and told them to accept all actions by the armed group or leave for Bangladesh. Residents said the men remained silent because they did not feel safe to respond.
Community workers in Maungdaw said these incidents further destabilise an already fragile environment. They urged Arakan Army leadership to address the conduct of their troops and prevent further abuses against civilians.
For now, villagers said they continue living with fear. They fear footsteps outside their shops, fear walking along the road and fear speaking about what they see.
