by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Arakan State | June 1, 2026
Fishing nets confiscated from Rohingya and Bangladeshi fishermen in the Naf River have reportedly been sold through auctions by Arakan Army authorities, according to local residents.
Sources said the nets were seized on May 20 during an operation conducted by the Arakan Army Coast Guard on the Myanmar side of the Naf River.
According to local residents, many fishermen fled during the operation, but six fishermen, including four Rohingya and two Bangladeshi nationals, were reportedly arrested. A fishing boat and 22 large fishing nets were also confiscated.
Residents said 15 of the seized nets have already been sold through auctions.
According to local sources, each net was reportedly auctioned for 1.5 million kyats to fishermen from the Alel Than Kyaw area in southern Maungdaw.
Villagers said the remaining seven nets are being stored in the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone in Shwe Zar.
Residents further alleged that two of the remaining nets have been taken by local Arakan Army officials and police officers who are now using them for fishing activities in the Naf River.
According to villagers, the officials are working together with local authorities and sharing profits generated from fish sales.
Many Rohingya fishermen said the confiscated nets were their primary means of earning a living and supporting their families.
“These nets were our livelihood,” one fisherman told Rohingya Khobor. “We used them every day to feed our families. Now we have nothing to work with.”
Another resident said local fishermen are no longer allowed to access traditional fishing areas.
“We are not allowed to fish in the areas where we used to work, but others are now using our nets and fishing there,” he said.
A third resident said many households are struggling because fishing remains their only source of income.
“Many families are facing hardship because fishing is their only source of income,” the resident said. “They want their fishing rights restored.”
Local residents called on senior Arakan Army and ULA leaders to investigate the allegations, ensure fair treatment for affected fishermen, and allow local communities to resume fishing in the Naf River.
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