By Camp Correspondent
March 8, 2025
BUTHIDAUNG, RAKHINE STATE – The Arakan Army (AA) has launched a systematic campaign to seize Rohingya-owned land in northern Buthidaung, displacing entire communities and redistributing the land to the Daingnet ethnic group.
Reports from local sources indicate that AA’s actions mirror past policies of Myanmar’s military, raising fears that the Rohingya are being permanently removed from their ancestral lands.
Land Seizures and Forced Relocation
Residents from multiple villages—including Maung Gyi Taung (Shah Bazar), Aung Lan Pyin (Maurisabil), Oli Bafara, Tharay Kuntan (Shaikhri Khuna), Maung Hlama (Rang Fara), Nga Kyin Tauk, Badana, Kumi Khali, Mee Chaung Khong Swe, Kuntan, Laung Chaung (Rusanabil), Oriya Fara, and Bazar Fara—have reported being forcibly removed from their homes.
AA is reportedly moving displaced Rohingya into a designated area east of the Mayu River, where they are being confined to small plots of land, similar to past military-led resettlement camps. A Rohingya farmer from an affected village described the situation:
“I am not even allowed to check my farm. They told us to stay where we are now. Later, they said they would give us a small plot of land east of the river, about 20 to 60 feet, to build a house. My family has lost all the homes and farms that we have owned for generations.”
This latest wave of land confiscation has left families without shelter, income, or access to their farmland.
The forced displacement has deepened the humanitarian crisis for the Rohingya, who were already living in precarious conditions under strict movement restrictions.
A Continuation of Past Persecution?
Rohingya land grabs have a long history in Myanmar, particularly under past military regimes. Before the 2017 mass displacement, nearly 40% of Rohingya land was forcibly taken by the state and handed over to Rakhine Buddhist settlers.
Now, AA appears to be implementing similar tactics.
Many of the villages currently targeted were ordered to evacuate even before the conflict in Buthidaung began.
Although no large-scale battles took place in these areas, AA has refused to allow Rohingya to return, effectively making their displacement permanent.
In Mee Chaung Khong Swe village, reports confirm that Rohingya farmland has already been given to Daingnet settlers from Kuntan village, who have started cultivating the land and constructing homes.
A displaced Rohingya resident from Kuntan expressed his grief:
“Kuntan village suffered less under Myanmar’s military rule, but now, under AA/ULA’s administration, we have lost everything. Our ancestors’ land, filled with our history and memories, is being taken away. How can we just leave it behind? We feel deeply heartbroken.”
International Community Urged to Act
Observers warn that AA’s actions are part of a broader strategy to erase the Rohingya presence in Rakhine State.
The forced evictions and land seizures have raised alarms among human rights organizations, who are calling for urgent international intervention.
A researcher tracking the crisis told MDN:
“If there is no international pressure to stop AA, the Rohingya will continue to lose their cultural heritage and ancestral lands. This appears to be a deliberate plan to eliminate the Rohingya presence in the region.”
With thousands of Rohingya now displaced once again, the future of these communities remains uncertain.
Human rights groups are urging immediate action to halt further land confiscations and prevent another wave of irreversible displacement in Rakhine State.
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