by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State | December 3, 2025
Rohingya schoolteachers, religious leaders and village administrators in northern Maungdaw were pressured to show full support for the Arakan Army during a meeting held on November 29, according to community members who attended the gathering.
The meeting took place in front of a local rescue camp, where around two hundred and fifty people assembled. Villages that sent representatives included Shwezar, Nwar Yone Taung, Baka Gone Nar, Ponezar, Hla Bawzar, Pyin Phyu, Kyauk Hle Karr, Mingalar Gyi, Kyet Yoe Pyin, Thayak Oak, Thu U Lar, Dharkyi Sa and Ngan Chaung.
Residents said each village sent about twenty participants, mostly teachers and religious leaders. They said the atmosphere became tense when an AA township officer instructed them to support the armed group in all matters. The officer warned against helping any other Muslim armed groups and told villagers to report unfamiliar people immediately to the nearest AA camp.
Several attendees said they felt unable to speak freely. One teacher said the officer made it clear that their safety and future in Rakhine depended on following AA’s orders.
Community members said the meeting is another example of the pressure placed on Rohingya living in areas influenced by armed groups, where daily decisions and personal movements are closely monitored.
