By: Camp Correspondent
April 26, 2025 | Buthidaung, Rakhine State
The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly abducted Maung Tun, a 38-year-old Rohingya schoolteacher, from Ward No. 5 (Ywar Htit Quarter) in Buthidaung Township on April 24.
A Community Under Siege
After the widespread destruction of downtown Buthidaung by the AA in mid-2024, many Rohingya families were displaced. However, the Ywar Htit Quarter remained largely intact, allowing a few families—including that of Maung Tun—to continue living amid harsh conditions.
“I heard he was taken away by the AA yesterday without any clear reason,” a close relative of Maung Tun told Rohingya Khobor.
“They were often summoned for meetings by the Arakan Army. I suspect he was detained during one such meeting and was not allowed to return.”
The relative further stated:
“They lived a very simple life and endured immense hardship. There was no reason to suspect them of any wrongdoing.”
A Respected Educator Silenced
Maung Tun, a Burmese language (Myanmarsar) teacher, is the son of U Hla Aung, a respected educator in Buthidaung Township.
Throughout his career, Maung Tun had taught thousands of students—both Rohingya and Rakhine—earning widespread respect across communities for his dedication to education and peaceful coexistence.
Tragically, this is not the first time his family has been targeted. His father, U Hla Aung, was also previously abducted by the AA but was later released.
Rising Concerns Over Arbitrary Detentions
The abduction of a well-known and apolitical educator like Maung Tun has heightened fears among Rohingya civilians, many of whom now feel even more vulnerable under AA control.
“If even respected teachers are not safe, then who among us is?” said a Rohingya elder from Buthidaung.
Community leaders are calling for urgent international attention to the plight of Rohingya civilians facing abductions, harassment, and ongoing insecurity.
