by Hafizur Rahman
Rohingya residents in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, say they are facing forced military recruitment and large scale extortion, with local administrators linked to the Arakan Army accused of demanding money and forcibly taking Rohingya men and youths, according to residents.
Local people said the situation has worsened in recent days following the start of forced recruitment activities in the area. Village administrators reportedly called meetings with Rohingya villagers and business owners, informing them that their sons had been included on military service lists.
Residents said families were warned that their children would be taken away if they did not comply with the demands.
“They told us our sons are already on the list,” one Rohingya resident said. “If we do not want them to be taken, we must pay money. They demanded up to one million Myanmar kyats for one person. We are poor, but no parent wants to send their child into danger.”
Another resident said threats were used to pressure families into paying.
“They said people had already come to take our children,” the resident said. “If we could not pay, our sons would be forced to join. Out of fear, many families sold what they had or borrowed money to protect their children.”
Men and Youths Taken by Force
Residents said that on February 2, several Rohingya men and youths were taken by force for military training.
From Kyauk Hla Pyin village, those reportedly taken include Mohammad Rahim, 25, son of U Nur Hakin; Jani Alam, 21, son of U Mata Kin; and Mohammad Haris, 18, son of U Mohammad Mya.
From Htin Shar Pyin village, residents identified Usman, 20, son of U Abdul Ali; Mohammad Kaiser, 18, son of U Anu Mya; Mohammad Zaw Mil, 23, son of U Abul Husein; Mohammad Shawbi, 18, son of U Abdul Zawleel; Mohammad Shawhid, 18, son of U Abdul Motaleb; and Rahamat Ulla, 48, son of U Ali Husein.
From Dun Shan village, Mohammad Shakir, 40, son of U Nur Alam, was also reportedly taken.
Residents said the names of at least four other Rohingya youths could not be confirmed due to communication shutdowns in the area, making verification difficult.
Wider Pressure Across Villages
Rohingya residents from eight wards and villages in Buthidaung town said around 330 people are currently being threatened or pressured to provide recruits.
In separate incidents, residents reported that 15 Rohingyas from Myoung Nar village and five youths from Bagone Nar village were arrested and taken by force. In Phon Nyo Leik village, more than 300 Rohingyas were allegedly listed for forced recruitment.
A Rohingya elder described the situation as increasingly desperate.
“We are trapped,” the elder said. “In one area or another, Rohingyas are forced to fight. We are treated like objects, not human beings. Our young people are being destroyed while no one protects us.”
Fear and Uncertainty
Residents said Rohingyas remaining in Arakan are facing forced recruitment from multiple sides. Many families live in constant fear, unsure whether their children will be taken next, as violence, pressure, and extortion continue to intensify across the region.
