By: Camp Correspondent
April 4, 2025 – Maungdaw, Arakan State
Rohingya families in northern Maungdaw are facing ongoing oppression and insecurity under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), with reports of forced labor, looting, movement restrictions, and humiliation becoming part of daily life.
Residents from villages including Thayet Auk, Kyat Yoe Pyin, Thu U Hla, Dhargyizaar, Yetwin Kyun, Yetwin Pyin, Ywarthit Taung, U Kyetchay, Nankhaung, Ngasakyu, Ngakuya, Thakkainnya, and Kyainchaung—all under AA’s Battalion 3—say they are being forced to work without pay, surrender property, and live under strict surveillance.
Restricted Movement and Harsh Conditions
Since July 2024, the AA has placed heavy restrictions on movement in these villages. In November, access to nearby Rakhine villages such as Phawetchaung, Aung Mra La, and Pyarthar was entirely blocked. Locals report that even simple travel between nearby communities is no longer allowed.
“This is worse than before. During the junta’s clearance operations in 2017, at least we could move from Thae Chaung to Kyauk Pan Du. Now we are locked in,” said a Rohingya resident from Ngakuya.
With no way to earn income, most residents live in extreme poverty. Farming is their only source of food, but even this is being disrupted by looting and extortion.
Forced Labor and Confiscation of Property
Under AA rule, every Rohingya household must provide labor twice a month. In addition, AA fighters regularly seize motorcycles and cars from Rohingya villagers.
“They take our bikes without asking. Sometimes three of them get on one motorbike and ride away recklessly. When they return it damaged, no one pays for the repairs,” said a resident of Kyat Yoe Pyin.
Cattle, chickens, and even stored food supplies are being taken by force. Rohingya villagers in Laungdon and Dotan reported that their cows and buffaloes were taken and slaughtered by AA fighters. When villagers try to retrieve their lost animals, they are often mocked or threatened.
“If we complain, they say our animals ‘ran off to ARSA.’ But we know it’s AA who took them. We even have proof, but no one listens,” a villager explained.
Life Under Fear and Humiliation
The ongoing abuses have left families deeply afraid. Villagers report that even small delays in returning from the field or nearby areas can result in verbal abuse, beatings, or detention.
“We are constantly threatened—if we speak out, we’re accused of being spies or sympathizers of other groups. We just want to survive,” said a resident from Thayet Auk.
While the AA presents itself as a resistance force, local Rohingya say they are being treated not as civilians, but as a population to be controlled and exploited.
Call for Justice and Protection
With international aid and civil society support largely absent, northern Maungdaw’s Rohingya population says it has no one to turn to. Community elders are calling for urgent attention from the international community and humanitarian actors.
“We live under constant fear, with no rights, no dignity, and no freedom,” said one elder. “The world must know that the suffering of Rohingya people is not over—it has only changed hands.”
As reports of forced labor, looting, and restrictions continue to emerge, residents in these villages hope that one day they will be able to live in peace, free from exploitation, abuse, and fear.
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