by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State | May 10, 2026
Residents in northern Maungdaw Township said members of the Arakan Army seized more than 50 motorcycles belonging to Rohingya villagers from Kyauk Hlay Kar Market on May 7 and later demanded payment for their return.
According to local sources, the incident took place at around 3:30 PM while the market was crowded with residents and traders.
Witnesses said Arakan Army members gathered motorcycles from the market area and later transported them to Pyin Phyu Camp. Owners were subsequently instructed to pay 100,000 Myanmar kyat per motorcycle to recover their vehicles.
“We were very afraid when they took all the motorcycles,” one Rohingya resident told Rohingya Khobor. “Many people depend on these vehicles for daily work and family needs. We had no choice but to pay.”
Another resident claimed the operation was carried out by a newly arrived group operating in the area rather than the previous local unit.
Local residents also reported that authorities have recently ordered people to register shops, motorcycles, three-wheel vehicles, cars, shrimp farms, tractors, and rice mills before May 15.
Residents said the new measures have increased anxiety among business owners and workers already struggling under conflict-related economic pressure.
“They are making many new rules about vehicles and businesses,” another villager said. “People are already suffering because of the conflict, and now they also have to worry about these payments.”
The incident reflects growing concerns among Rohingya residents over expanding controls, payments, and administrative measures imposed on civilian economic activity in parts of northern Rakhine State under Arakan Army influence.
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