By: Camp Correspondent
BUTHIDAUNG TOWNSHIP, Myanmar – The Arakan Army (AA), a Rakhine armed group, has intensified its campaign against the Rohingya community in Arakan State, Myanmar, by confiscating telephones and SIM cards, issuing threats, and contributing to the ongoing oppression of the Rohingya people.
On January 18, 2025, the AA conducted operations in southern Buthidaung, targeting villages such as Fuimali, Titupaut, Miyandafara, Nowyafara, Zummafara, Wariyoung, and Shafar Fara. Villagers were ordered to surrender all communication devices, with severe consequences threatened for non-compliance.
“They’ve already taken many phones and SIM cards, and they’re using intimidation to suppress us,” said a resident of Fuimali, speaking under the condition of anonymity.
The confiscation of telecommunication devices is part of a broader pattern of restrictions imposed by the AA. Villagers are prohibited from leaving their areas, gatherings of more than three people are banned, and residents are forced to form security groups to guard their communities. These measures have increased the vulnerability of the Rohingya population, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.
The AA has extended its operations to northern Buthidaung, including Sein Nyin Par and Nyaung Chaung, areas previously considered safer for displaced families. The restrictions and threats have left communities feeling isolated and fearful for their safety.
The actions of the AA have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations, which have labeled these measures as deliberate tactics to isolate and control the Rohingya population. Analysts argue that these oppressive measures are designed to suppress information about ongoing atrocities and further entrench fear and control.
“The confiscation of communication devices and severe movement restrictions are not just about control—they’re about erasing the Rohingya’s ability to communicate, organize, and report the violence they endure,” said a human rights expert monitoring the region.
International observers have called for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis and protect the Rohingya community. Human rights groups are urging accountability for all perpetrators of violence and measures to ensure the safety and rights of the Rohingya people.
The Rohingya, long recognized as one of the world’s most persecuted minorities, continue to endure systematic oppression, violence, and displacement. The international community’s sustained attention and intervention remain critical to preventing further suffering and ensuring justice for the Rohingya people.
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