By: Camp Correspondent
21 June 2025 | Maungdaw & Buthidaung, Rakhine State
Rohingya communities across northern Rakhine State are facing increasing pressure under Arakan Army (AA) rule, as reports emerge of systematic extortion, harassment, and property confiscation targeting Rohingya business owners. From daily fees in local markets to mass land seizures justified through unproven allegations, many believe this campaign is designed to weaken the economic foundation of the Rohingya community.
Daily Struggles: Market Vendors Extorted in Kyaukhlaykha
In Maungdaw’s Kyaukhlaykha Market, hundreds of Rohingya shopkeepers say they are being forced to pay unjust daily and monthly fees to AA-appointed local authorities. The market, located in Zone 6, is operated by figures allegedly close to the local AA administration—Adurazak (alias Kyaw Min) and Mamat Siddique (nicknamed Mortar)—under the supervision of the Zone 6 administrator’s office.
Shopkeepers report being charged 1,000 to 2,000 kyats per day, with even small vegetable vendors having to pay 500 kyats just to sell from a basket on the roadside. In addition, monthly taxes of 100,000 to 200,000 kyats are collected based on the size of investment or shop.
“They treat the market like their private property,” said one vendor. “If we can’t pay, our shops are threatened with closure or our goods are confiscated.”
Community members say these taxes are enforced disproportionately—non-Rohingya vendors are rarely subjected to the same level of scrutiny or demand, deepening the sense of discrimination and isolation felt by Rohingya residents.
Systematic Seizures: Properties Confiscated Under ‘Arsa’ Accusations
Beyond market stalls, wealthier Rohingya families are now reporting large-scale property seizures in both Maungdaw and Buthidaung. Under the banner of rooting out alleged supporters of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa), the AA—under the political leadership of the United League of Arakan (ULA)—has marked and seized homes, farmlands, businesses, and shops.
In Kyain Tan Ward of Maungdaw alone, dozens of properties have recently been seized, with red signs posted on buildings to mark them for takeover. In Buthidaung, entire neighborhoods in Ward 2, Ward 3, and around Naf Pan Reng junction have experienced similar actions.
“They claim these properties belong to Arsa sympathizers,” said a Rohingya businessman from Buthidaung. “But many of us have no connection with Arsa. Some of us were even victims of Arsa in the past. This is not about security—it’s about erasing our presence.”
A Rakhine affairs researcher, Maung Nyaw Saw, echoed this concern:
“This campaign appears to be less about counter-insurgency and more about economic displacement. The focus on business owners suggests a deliberate attempt to weaken the Rohingya community’s financial base.”
In one local administrative meeting, a political officer from Kyain Chaung was even quoted as saying:
“According to the Rakita roadmap, Muslim businesspeople are not allowed to hold significant influence in northern Rakhine.”
“We Are Being Squeezed from All Sides”
Rohingya shopkeepers and traders now find themselves caught between the daily struggle for economic survival and structural disempowerment. With few rights, limited movement, and rising pressure, many fear that the goal is to push them into complete destitution—or displacement.
“Ten years ago, we had businesses, land, and freedom to move,” said a former shop owner. “Now, we’re barely allowed to exist.”
Human rights groups have urged greater scrutiny of AA/ULA’s policies in northern Rakhine, warning that patterns of financial targeting and discriminatory governance echo earlier practices by Myanmar’s military.
As the conflict in Rakhine continues, and territorial control shifts from one power to another, the fate of ordinary civilians—especially Rohingya—remains at the mercy of those who rule.
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