By: Camp Correspondent
April 7, 2025 | Maungdaw, Rakhine State
A limited number of displaced Rohingya families in Maungdaw town have reportedly been permitted to return to their homes by the Arakan Army (AA), while many others continue to live in uncertainty and hardship, facing restrictions on their movement and return.
Local sources confirmed that as of April 7, the AA has allowed some Rohingya residents from Ward No. 1 and Ward No. 4 to go back to their original homes. These individuals had been living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) since the escalation of armed conflict in the region.
In contrast, many other displaced Rohingya remain barred from returning. Residents from Ward No. 2, Maung Ni Ward, and Kanyin Tan Ward in Maungdaw town say they have received no permission from the authorities. “We’ve been told we cannot return without higher approval,” a displaced Rohingya man reported, quoting a senior AA officer.
While some displaced individuals from other ethnic communities—including Rakhine and Hindu—have also returned to Wards No. 3 and 5, Latha Ward, Myo Oo Ward, 4 Mile Ward, Nyaung Chaung, Pantaw Pyin, and Shwe Zar village, the selective nature of permissions has raised deep concern within the Rohingya community.
In nearby Buthidaung town, members of non-Rohingya communities have resumed normal life following returns, but not a single Rohingya has been allowed to go back. “This discriminatory approach exposes the two-tier system of treatment under AA control,” a community elder said.
The prolonged displacement has driven many Rohingya families into desperation, with food shortages, poverty, and lack of income becoming daily struggles. Some families have resorted to selling their remaining possessions and attempting perilous sea journeys in search of safety and survival. Others remain trapped, unable to leave or return home.
Rohingya community leaders are now calling on the Arakan Army and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), to end discriminatory practices and allow equal rights of return for all civilians affected by the conflict.
“This conflict has already taken enough from our people. We deserve the same dignity and rights as any other community,” one community member stated.
