by Hafizur Rahman
Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State | May 22, 2026
Rohingya residents in Kyauktaw Township say the Arakan Army is continuing to collect money from villages through different forms of payments despite earlier public statements that there would be no license fees for Qurbani cow slaughter this year.
According to local residents, the Arakan Army announced last year that Rohingya families would be allowed to slaughter Qurbani cows without paying official license fees. However, villagers say money is now being collected under the name of a “hospital fund.”
Residents said the issue began after Rohingya businessmen from Maungdaw District reportedly donated 50 million kyats for a hospital project in Mrauk-U. Villagers alleged that Arakan Army authorities later instructed Rohingya communities in Mrauk-U District to provide the same amount of money.
According to local sources, Rohingya villages in Kyauktaw Township were ordered to contribute 30 million kyats, while villages in Mrauk-U Township were reportedly asked to pay 20 million kyats.
Villagers also said families were informed they must pay 50,000 kyats for each cow prepared for Qurbani this year.
“They tell the international community that there are no license fees, but in reality they are still collecting money from us in other ways,” one resident told local media.
Residents further alleged that monthly payments are being collected under the name of a “national fund.” According to villagers, each household is required to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 kyats every month.
Local people also reported that Rohingya youths are facing pressure to join military service through Arakan Army officials.
According to residents, tensions increased when Rohingya elders questioned the money collection and military pressure.
“Instead of giving answers, they threatened the elders,” one villager said.
Another resident claimed community elders were told, “You are writing your own history,” which many villagers interpreted as a warning to remain silent.
