by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State | December 2, 2025
Two alarming incidents have taken place in Maungdaw Township, where Arakan Army members detained dozens of Rohingya villagers in Kyauk Chaung and, in a separate event, an elderly disabled man was violently assaulted near the Maungdaw town clock tower. Both events have heightened fear among residents already living under insecurity.
Detention of Rohingya Villagers in Kyauk Chaung
On November 30, around thirty armed members of the Arakan Army entered Kyauk Chaung village, also known as Shilkhali, in northern Maungdaw Township. Villagers said the group arrived with guns and moved quickly, leaving no chance for anyone to flee.
Residents reported that all women were confined inside a single house, while men were taken away toward Labyar village and into nearby forest areas. By mid afternoon today, villagers estimated that about thirty six men were still being held. The armed group also seized mobile phones from everyone, cutting off communication with the outside world.
One elderly villager said they could only watch from behind doors. Another resident said the group accused them of supporting another organisation, creating panic so severe that some families considered running without knowing where they could go.
Families said the detainees have not received food or water since being taken, increasing fear for their wellbeing. Residents also spoke about the reputation of AA detention sites, describing them as cramped and suffocating places where people are held without information or contact.
Families in Kyauk Chaung are calling on humanitarian organisations to intervene and ensure the safety of the detained villagers. Mothers, children and elderly residents remain waiting at doorways in silence, hoping for news while having no way to communicate.
Elderly Disabled Rohingya Man Beaten Near Maungdaw Clock Tower
In another incident on November 25, a sixty three year old Rohingya man with physical disabilities was severely beaten near the Maungdaw town clock tower by a member of the ULA and Arakan Army intelligence unit.
Residents identified the attacker as Arman Ullah, aged about fifty, originally from Pantaw Pyin village. Locals said he moves around the town openly, often while intoxicated, and is known for harassing civilians and damaging property. A shopkeeper said he causes trouble almost every night.
The victim, U Yahiya Khan, originally from Bagon Nar village before it was destroyed, now lives in Kanyintan Ward as a displaced person. He uses a walking stick due to weakness in his leg and arm. On that afternoon he had been sitting at a small shop near the clock tower, where many older men gather to talk and rest.
Witnesses said Arman Ullah arrived on a motorcycle and, without speaking, punched the elderly man and kicked him repeatedly. Several people nearby shouted but did not intervene out of fear. A young boy who witnessed the assault said everyone was too frightened to step forward.
The injuries were severe, and residents fear that U Yahiya Khan may not survive. Community members said the attack felt like an assault on dignity and a sign of worsening insecurity in Maungdaw.
Locals reported that the attacker previously worked as a fish seller and cattle caretaker before joining the AA intelligence unit. They said he has since been occupying a two story house in Maungdaw without permission and behaves as if no rules apply to him.
A community observer said the incident shows the gap in law and order. He said if armed members can move freely and attack civilians in daylight, ordinary people will feel completely unprotected.
Rohingya residents are urging accountability and justice. They said those with power should protect vulnerable people, not harm them, and the assault on an elderly disabled man has shaken confidence across the town.
