By Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, June 08, 2026
Rohingya residents in Maungdaw say they are facing discrimination and humiliation at the Shwezar checkpoint, where members of the Arakan Army (AA) are reportedly forcing civilians to perform sit-up exercises for minor reasons while traveling into town.
According to local residents on 06, June, people from northern Maungdaw must carry recommendation letters to enter the town through the Shwezar Bridge checkpoint. Without these documents, they are not allowed to pass. However, residents say that even those carrying valid letters are often stopped and punished for small issues, such as stains or marks on the paper.
On June 5, four mosque teachers from Paungzar Village were reportedly stopped while traveling to Maungdaw town with recommendation letters. Witnesses said that although the teachers had the required documents and no violations were found, checkpoint personnel claimed there were betel nut stains on the letters and ordered each of them to perform 30 sit-ups.
A Rohingya resident who witnessed the incident said, “We follow the rules and carry the documents they ask for, but sometimes it feels like no matter what we do, they still find a reason to punish us. It leaves people feeling helpless and afraid.”
Another local resident said that such incidents have become common at the checkpoint and have created fear among travelers.
“Many people become nervous before crossing the bridge,” he said. “Instead of feeling safe, they worry about being embarrassed in front of others for something very small.”
Residents also expressed concern that religious figures and elderly people are not being treated with respect.
“One of the most painful things is seeing respected teachers and elders forced to do sit-ups in public,” another Rohingya resident said. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of who they are.”
Community members are calling for fair treatment of civilians and an end to actions that they say cause humiliation and hardship for ordinary people traveling through the area.
