By Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Arakan, September 10, 2025, The Arakan Army/United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) has ordered residents of Maungdaw Township to contribute money for repairing the Pantaw Pyin Bridge, destroyed earlier by the Myanmar military with landmines.
Demands for Funding
On September 2, AA/ULA leaders summoned ward administrators to the Township Administrator’s office and instructed each ward to pay 1 million kyat. The bridge, connecting Kanyin Tan ward and Pantaw Pyin village, is considered vital for linking southern Maungdaw with the main town.
Hardship for Families
Local residents say the collection is creating unbearable hardship. A Rohingya man from 4-Mile ward explained:
“The ward committee is forcing every household to pay 20,000 kyat. Most of us are poor and survive by collecting and selling firewood. This is too heavy for us.”
A businessman added that Rohingya traders are also being targeted:
“AA says the repair needs 8.5 million kyat, but they are demanding large sums from each ward and also from Rohingya traders. We already lost everything in this conflict, and now they are taking from us again.”
Bridge Fees and Exploitation
Residents reported similar experiences with other infrastructure. A villager from northern Maungdaw described the situation at another crossing:
“For the Shwezarr–Kanyin Taw Bridge, they took over 10 million kyat. After repairing it with wood, AA now charges 5,000 to 10,000 kyat from every motorbike and car crossing daily. We feel exploited.”
Mounting Pressure Across Wards
Maungdaw has 10 wards, including West Downtown, South Downtown, East Downtown, North Downtown, Ywarthitkay, Maung Ni, Kanyin Tan, Latha, Myo Oo, and 4-Mile. Residents warn that financial pressure is growing unbearable, particularly for poor Rohingya families already struggling with displacement, restrictions, and loss of livelihoods.
