The plight of Rohingya displaced persons fleeing ongoing conflict in Arakan State has taken a dire turn, as those seeking refuge in the state’s capital, Sittwe, face extortion, detention, and a growing number of disappearances.
According to recent reports, more than 1,000 Rohingya from the townships of Buthidaung and Maungdaw have sought refuge in Sittwe after losing their homes, belongings, and crucial identity documents in a fire reportedly set by the Arakan Army (AA) on May 17, 2024. However, upon reaching Sittwe, these displaced persons have encountered further persecution.
Immigration and military authorities in Sittwe have charged the displaced Rohingya with illegal township crossing, citing their lack of documentation. Despite the circumstances, these individuals are being compelled to appear in the Sittwe District Court for weekly trials. The majority of those displaced have lost everything in the fire, making it impossible to produce the required papers.
Sources from within the Rohingya community claim that the Arakan Army, which currently controls Buthidaung, has been extorting money from those seeking to evacuate to safer areas, such as Sittwe. Displaced persons report being forced to pay between 5 and 10 lakh kyat to the AA for permission to leave their townships. After passing through AA-controlled areas, the displaced face further financial demands from the Myanmar Navy, who patrol the rivers and charge an additional 2 to 3 lakh kyat for safe passage. Upon arrival in Sittwe, the military reportedly demands another 5 lakh kyat, and even after these payments, many Rohingya are arrested by local police and charged with illegal crossing.
Currently, 80 Rohingya displaced persons are required to attend trials at the Sittwe District Court, where they face an uncertain legal fate.
Adding to the mounting concerns, there are reports of approximately 200 Rohingya who have gone missing while attempting to reach Sittwe by boat from Buthidaung. Several bodies have been found floating in the May Yu River, but there has been no official information regarding the fate of the missing. With Buthidaung under AA control since May 2024, many within the Rohingya community hold the AA responsible for these disappearances.
The situation remains volatile, with the displaced Rohingya caught between multiple factions and authorities, all seeking to profit from their desperate attempts to find safety. As the crisis continues, the international community’s attention is urgently needed to address the escalating humanitarian disaster in Arakan State.
