By: Camp Correspondent
March 25, 2025
Thousands of displaced Rohingya in Maungdaw Township continue to face uncertainty after the Arakan Army (AA) failed to follow through on its recent promise to allow them to return home. Despite assurances made last week, not a single Rohingya family has been permitted to re-enter Maungdaw town as of March 25.
False Hope and Delayed Promises
AA officials had reportedly informed Rohingya administrators and elders that displaced families would be allowed to return to neighborhoods in Maungdaw town starting today. However, when some attempted to follow up with AA representatives this morning, they were turned away.
An AA officer allegedly told one Rohingya resident:
“We cannot allow any Muslim families to return until we receive further instructions from our higher authorities.”
This marks yet another delay after Rohingya families were previously promised a return date of March 20, which was then pushed to March 25.
Thousands Still Trapped in Displacement
Currently, more than 3,000 displaced Rohingya remain scattered across villages in northern Maungdaw, while another 3,000 are living in dire conditions at the Hla Phoe Khaung rescue camp. In the south, at least 2,500 more are sheltering in villages such as Pyaung Pin Gyi, Du-Nyaung Pin Gyi, Ma Kyay Chaung, and Nar Khaung To.
Most of these families were forcibly displaced during the 2024 conflict and are now enduring severe food shortages, lack of medical care, and ongoing restrictions on movement.
Return Blocked Despite Official Submissions
Families from Maungdaw’s Kyain Tan, Maung Ni, and Wards 1, 2, and 4 had already submitted all required documents to AA authorities, including household registration papers and photographs. However, no action has been taken to facilitate their return.
A community elder shared:
“We did everything they asked. We handed over the documents weeks ago. Now they are telling us to wait again, and we don’t know for how long.”
Eid Approaching, but No Way Home
With the holy festival of Eid just weeks away, many Rohingya are growing increasingly desperate to return home and celebrate with dignity.
“We just want to go back before Eid. We don’t want to stay in camps or in someone else’s house. We want to pray in our own mosques and break our fast with our families, in our own homes,” said a young displaced Rohingya from southern Maungdaw.
Still in Limbo
As of now, the promised return remains uncertain. The delay further highlights the gap between public statements and ground realities under AA control. With each passing day, the Rohingya in Maungdaw face worsening conditions and eroding hope.
