The humanitarian crisis in Northern Arakan State continues to worsen, as reports emerge of two Rohingya men being brutally assaulted by members of the Arakan Army (AA) in Zin Paing Yar village on September 1, 2024. The men, who had sought refuge in the village after fleeing violence in their home hamlet of Hayang Hali in Shwe Zar village, were left critically injured following a vicious attack by the AA.
One of the victims has been identified as Mohammad Jubair, son of Shamshul Hoque. Jubair, along with another unidentified man, was beaten so severely that their teeth were removed, their hands broken, and their spines shattered by kicks and knees. Witnesses report that the men were also struck with guns and knives after being bound and helpless.
A family member of one of the victims recounted the harrowing details, explaining that the men had gone fishing near the river close to Zin Paing Yar when they were suddenly confronted by AA members. Accused of being affiliated with the Myanmar military, despite their innocence and vulnerability, the men were subjected to an unprovoked and savage beating before being discarded in the bushes near the river.
The Rohingya community in Zin Paing Yar village, who have been surviving under dire conditions with little food and no access to medical care, are reportedly living in constant fear. The AA has been intimidating them to join their ranks and forcing them to be photographed for what they call “Swe Ting Saik” in Burmese. Those who refuse are punished with imprisonment for up to three months.
Meanwhile, in Buthidaung Township, the situation is equally dire. On August 31, 2024, 15 Rohingya youths were abducted by the AA from Tha Beik Taung (Haran Hali) village, with their whereabouts still unknown. A local villager, Sardek, aged 50, reported that the AA has been targeting young Rohingya men, abducting them over the past week. Fearing for their lives, many youths have fled into the forests and mountains, while a few have attempted the perilous journey to Bangladesh.
The AA has also imposed strict orders on the Rohingya community in Buthidaung Township, forbidding the use of Bangladeshi SIM cards. Villagers in Hpon Nyo Leik were ordered to surrender their SIM cards, under the threat of three months of imprisonment for non-compliance. Similar orders have been issued across other villages in Buthidaung Township.
Adding to their suffering, the displaced Rohingyas in Northern Arakan State are grappling with severe food shortages and health crises. The abduction of 10 Rohingya youths from Sein Hnyin Pya on August 17 for forced conscription by the AA has only added to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that pervades the region.
The situation in Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships is deteriorating rapidly, with the Rohingya population caught in the crossfire of targeted violence by both the AA and the Myanmar military. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community’s attention is desperately needed to prevent further atrocities against this already persecuted minority.
