by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township | July 15, 2026
Rohingya families in northern Maungdaw Township say two of their cattle were allegedly seized by a group of armed Rakhine men while grazing near the former village of Kyaing Ta Pin (Dora Bil).
According to local residents, Rohingya families from Pon Zar, Hla Bo Zar, Kyaing Taw, Kyauk Hlaik Daung, and Mingalar Gyi villages have long used the grazing fields near Kyaing Ta Pin during the day. They typically take their cattle there in the morning and bring them home in the evening.
Residents said that on July 13, several men from Pyar Tha village, under Nwar Rone Taung village tract, allegedly entered the grazing area carrying sticks and knives. They reportedly seized two cattle belonging to Rohingya families—one bull and one cow.
“When we tried to stop them and asked them to return our cattle, they threatened us with sticks and knives. We were too afraid to do anything,” one Rohingya cattle owner told Rohingya Khobor.
Witnesses said several Rohingya children who were tending the cattle cried and pleaded with the men not to take the animals. However, the children were allegedly threatened and forced to flee.
“The children came back crying. They told us armed men had taken our cattle. By the time we reached the field, they were already gone,” another local resident told Rohingya Khobor.
Community members said they chose not to confront the armed group because they feared the situation could escalate into violence and place more people at risk.
“For us, cattle are not just animals. They are our savings, our livelihood, and our family’s future. Losing them is a heavy burden,” another Rohingya resident told Rohingya Khobor.
Residents said the loss of livestock is particularly devastating for Rohingya families, many of whom rely on cattle for farming, household income, and food while already facing severe humanitarian hardship.
Community members have called on the relevant authorities to investigate the incident, protect civilians and their property, prevent further seizures, and take steps to reduce tensions and prevent further conflict in the area.
