by Hafizur Rahman
Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State | May 26, 2026
Rohingya residents in Kyauktaw Township say they are facing strict travel restrictions and cannot enter the town without obtaining approval letters from Arakan Army and ULA authorities.
According to local residents, Rohingya people are unable to move freely because checkpoints stop travelers who do not carry the required documents.
Residents said people must collect recommendation letters from multiple offices before entering the town, including the village administration office, township office, and a local police station known as “Delat.”
Villagers also alleged that they are required to pay money to obtain the documents.
According to residents, the reported fees include 5,000 kyats at the village office, 2,000 kyats at the township office, and another 5,000 kyats at the police station.
One resident said he was stopped at an Arakan Army checkpoint while travelling to town for work because he did not have the required approval letters.
He said officers refused to allow him to continue travelling, forcing him to return to his village to collect the documents.
The resident said he later had to provide personal information and pay multiple fees before receiving the approval letters.
Another resident said Rohingya people now require permission letters even to travel between villages inside the same township.
He described the process as difficult and humiliating and said many people feel heavily controlled under the restrictions.
Residents also said some people face additional difficulties because they must pass checkpoints even before reaching the offices responsible for issuing the required documents.
Local Rohingya families said the restrictions are affecting daily life, including travel for work, small business activities, and movement between villages.
