by Hafizur Rahman
Fear and uncertainty are rising among Rohingya communities in northern Arakan State as reports of arrests, forced recruitment, and detentions involving young women continue to emerge from Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships.
Local sources say several incidents involving Rohingya girls and young women have taken place in recent weeks, increasing anxiety among families who fear their children could be taken.
On 4 March, two Rohingya girls were reportedly detained by members of the Arakan Army in Phyu Laik village in Buthidaung Township. According to local residents, the girls were taken earlier in the day near a checkpoint at Phyu Laik Bridge. Their identities have not been confirmed, and villagers said their condition was reported to be very bad.
“We are very scared now. Young girls are not safe anymore, even inside their own villages,” a Rohingya resident said.
Another elder from the area said the families of the girls were deeply worried. “They are crying and waiting for news. No one knows where the girls have been taken.”
Reports of Earlier Arrests
Similar incidents were reported earlier in the region. On 25 February, three Rohingya young women from Doe Tan village in Buthidaung Township were reportedly arrested in Maungdaw Township after attempting to flee their homes to avoid forced recruitment. Local sources said they were later taken to an Arakan Army camp in Buthidaung, where they remain detained.
Residents say many families are now hiding their children out of fear that they may be forced to join armed groups.
“People are very scared. Many families are hiding their daughters and sons because they do not want them to be taken,” a Rohingya villager said.
Another community member said some families have already left their homes in search of safety.
“In the last few days, some families left their homes without taking anything. They just want to stay safe,” the villager said.
Forced Recruitment Concerns
Reports also indicate that forced recruitment has included young women. In War Ra Kyun village in Buthidaung Township, three Rohingya girls were reportedly taken by force from their homes in February.
One of them, Minara, had reportedly been married for only two days before she was taken from her husband’s home.
Villagers said the girls were later taken to an Arakan Army camp in King Taung village, where they were forced to participate in training under difficult conditions. Community members have also expressed concern about reports of inappropriate treatment during training.
Community Concerns After Meeting
Meanwhile, community leaders in Young Chaung village reported that the Arakan Army held a meeting on 1 March with village elders and asked Rohingya youth to become involved with the group.
During the meeting, an Arakan Army commander reportedly told community members that Rohingya, referred to as “Bangali,” should help protect Arakan. The statement caused concern among villagers, who said they want their children to focus on education and live in peace.
“We are worried about our children. We want them to be safe and continue their education, not join fighting,” a Rohingya elder said.
Because of these incidents, fear continues to spread across Rohingya villages in Buthidaung Township. Families say they are avoiding travel between villages and closely watching the situation as tensions remain high in the region.
Local residents say uncertainty about the future has left many people feeling unsafe in their own communities.
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