October 17, 2024

The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) condemns the continued targeting and abuse of Rohingya communities in Rakhine State by the Arakan Army (AA). These latest incidents, including violent raids on October 4 and the imposition of strict curfews, come just weeks after BROUK’s urgent call for international intervention in response to escalating atrocities. The international community cannot continue to ignore this relentless violence against Rohingya civilians.

In August, BROUK raised concerns over the brutal August 5 attack, where up to 200 Rohingya civilians fleeing violence were killed as they attempted to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh. This massacre followed another heinous assault on May 17, when AA forces nearly decimated the town of Buthidaung. Together, these incidents underscore the Arakan Army’s persistent and unchecked campaign of terror against the Rohingya.

“If the UN and governments are engaging with the Arakan Army leadership on their treatment of Rohingya, then that engagement is failing,” said Tun Khin, President of BROUK. “The Arakan Army is using its power to terrorise and displace the Rohingya, and without immediate action, these atrocities will continue unabated. The Arakan Army leadership must be told that the atrocities must stop, or they will face consequences, including sanctions.”

On October 4, AA forces conducted early-morning raids on the Rohingya villages of Ah Twin Nget They and Hpon Nyo Leik in southern Buthidaung Township. Villagers reported that AA members threatened and assaulted residents, with one witness stating, “They came into our village in the morning and inspected each house, and threatened the villagers in different ways. They even beat some villagers with guns and sticks.” In Hpon Nyo Leik, the AA demanded the removal of fences surrounding Rohingya homes under intimidation. “The AA frequently intimidating us and demanding us to remove the fences that are surrounded our homes. We have no other options but to comply with their orders. If we don’t remove the fences, we will have to face unimaginable consequences,” another villager said.

The AA claimed the raids were in response to alleged Rohingya armed groups hiding in these villages, though residents deny this. “There are neither members nor supporters of Rohingya armed groups in these villages. We haven’t seen the movements of any armed groups except the movements of Arakan Army in these areas. This seems to be part of a plan to continue their brutal actions against Rohingya IDP camp, who sought refuge here after fleeing from their own villages,” a local resident reported.

These raids followed the imposition of a strict curfew across northern Maungdaw Township on October 2, restricting movement from 7 PM to 6 AM in villages such as Kyauk Hle Kha, Thayet Oak, Oo Shay Kya, and Minglalar Gyi. Villagers were ordered to patrol during curfew hours, facing severe consequences if they did not comply. The AA reportedly abducted six Rohingya from Kyauk Hle Kha and Minglalar Gyi villages while they were returning home after curfew. Additionally, on October 2, two young Rohingya boys disappeared while searching for cattle, with villagers suspecting they may have been detained by AA forces stationed nearby.

BROUK condemns these acts as part of a larger strategy by the AA to instill fear and assert control over Rohingya communities. “These raids and the enforced curfews are clear violations of basic human rights and an alarming escalation in a protracted pattern of violence and persecution,” said Tun Khin, President of BROUK. “Rohingya only want to live in peace and harmony with the diverse peoples of Rakhine State and Burma. If the Arakan Army leadership won’t voluntarily accept the ethnic and religious diversity of Rakhine State, they must be pressured to do so. The alternative is to once again stand back and do nothing as the Rohingya face violations of international law.”

The international community must recognise the deliberate and systematic nature of these abuses. The Arakan Army’s actions reveal a blatant disregard for the safety and rights of Rohingya villagers, perpetuating a climate of fear and further entrenching the crisis in Rakhine State.

“Those condemning Rohingya for calling out human rights violations by the Arakan Army are victim blaming and effectively helping to enable those human rights violations. The Arakan Army is solely responsible for its own actions, and nothing justifies those actions,” said Tun Khin, President of BROUK.

For more information, contact: Tun Khin, President of BROUK at +44 788 871 4866