by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State | June 29, 2026
Rohingya residents of U Shay Cha village in northern Maungdaw Township have accused local village administrators of demanding money from landowners and threatening to confiscate farmland from those who refuse to pay.
According to residents, the village has been divided into nine administrative sections, with Abu and Maw Ti Ra Man serving as temporary village administrators.
Residents alleged that Maw Ti Ra Man, together with Raufik from Section 1 and a Rakhine man identified as Zee Aung from Yae Myet Taung village, has been demanding payments from Rohingya landowners, including families currently living in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Villagers claimed that the group has been invoking the authority of the Arakan Army/United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) to pressure landowners into making payments in order to retain their farmland.
According to residents, landowners are being asked to pay 150,000 kyats for every kani (approximately three acres) of farmland. Those who refuse or are unable to pay are reportedly warned that their land could be confiscated.
Several villagers also accused Abu, Maw Ti Ra Man, Raufik, Baw Sir Ahmad, Shawm Shul Hakim, and Zafar of intimidating residents and abusing their positions of authority.
“Families who fled to Bangladesh are worried about losing the land they left behind,” one resident told Rohingya Khobor. “They feel they are being forced to choose between paying money or giving up their property.”
Residents further alleged that some current village administrators had previously worked closely with Myanmar authorities before assuming their current roles and continue to wield significant influence despite changes in local administration.
Villagers also claimed that efforts are underway to seize several privately owned farms, including approximately 16 acres belonging to Mawlawi Sadiq, around 15 acres owned by Amir Hakim’s family, and about two acres belonging to Rawji Ullah. They further alleged that homes associated with those properties could also face demolition.
Another resident said many people are reluctant to speak openly for fear of retaliation.
“People are afraid to question local officials or refuse their demands because they fear punishment,” the resident said.
Residents also alleged that some administrators routinely intimidate villagers, compel people to work at unreasonable hours, verbally abuse residents, and physically assault those found outside after 7 p.m.
The Rohingya community has called for an independent investigation into the allegations and urged the relevant authorities to take action if any misconduct is confirmed.
At the time of publication, neither the accused individuals nor the AA/ULA had publicly responded to the allegations.
