By Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, Rakhine State — June 11, 2025 |
Rohingya residents in northern Maungdaw say the Arakan Army (AA) has imposed a discriminatory toll on motorbike riders crossing the Kanyin Taw–Shwe Zar bridge, collecting 5,000 Kyat from each Rohingya rider while allowing others to pass freely.
The toll collection reportedly began after the AA completed basic wooden repairs on several damaged bridges in the region. Despite these being reopened, armed AA members stationed at the Kanyin Taw checkpoint are now demanding cash payments from Rohingya commuters.
“If we pay, we can cross. If not, they turn us back,” said one Rohingya man traveling toward downtown Maungdaw. “But Rakhine people or others don’t have to pay at all. Only we do.”
Earlier Demands for Massive ‘Donations’
The new toll follows an earlier round of forced contributions. On January 17, AA leaders summoned Rohingya business owners from several villages—Kyauk Hla Gyi, Mingalar Gyi, Hla Baw Zar, Paung Zar, Shwe Zar, and Pyin Phyu—and demanded payments of 500,000 Kyat each. Those unable to attend the meeting were later approached and asked to pay as well.
AA representatives said the funds would be used to repair the Hla Baw Zar bridge and the road connecting Hlapho Kaung and Kyikanpyin—areas heavily damaged during previous military rule.
In total, over 55 million Kyat was reportedly collected from local Rohingya villagers.
A Toll on Top of Displacement
Despite these hefty community contributions and the reopening of bridges, the imposition of an additional 5,000 Kyat toll—applicable only to Rohingya—has sparked anger and despair.
“We’ve already paid so much,” said one elder from Paung Zar. “Now they’re charging us again, as if we don’t belong here. It feels like we’re being punished, no matter who’s in power.”
Residents say these financial burdens come on top of displacement, food shortages, and insecurity. In a region still reeling from war, aid restrictions, and fear, this added toll feels like another form of control.
“They said the money was for the community,” said a local shopkeeper. “But now they treat us like we’re not even part of it.”
Locals have raised concerns that such practices are deepening distrust between communities and increasing Rohingya vulnerability in AA-controlled areas, where rule of law and transparency remain elusive.
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