By Camp Correspondent
Rakhine State – February 25, 2025
The bodies of three Rohingya youths who were arrested by the Arakan Army (AA) over two months ago have been found in a remote area near Jaar Hkaung Village, northern Maungdaw, according to local sources.
Their remains, including skulls and bones, were discovered on February 15, 2025, raising serious concerns about extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the region.
The victims—Foys (17), son of Shom Shu; Yasin (15), son of Aesho Tali; and Jani Alam (15), son of Abu Ahmed—were reportedly arrested by AA members on December 17, 2024, while they were out catching birds in the Danyipin Danyitaw forest, west of their village, U Shey Cha. Witnesses stated that the youths were taken without any explanation.
Families Denied Information, Left in Anguish
The day after the arrest, the families of the three youths visited the AA camp in search of answers. However, an AA officer denied any knowledge of their detention, leaving the families in uncertainty and despair.
After over two months of silence, villagers stumbled upon the decomposed remains of the boys on February 15. Locals believe the youths were brutally tortured and executed before being buried in a secluded area. Their bodies were reportedly unidentifiable except for their clothing and personal belongings.
Community Outrage and Calls for Justice
The discovery has triggered shock and outrage among the Rohingya community, with families and human rights groups demanding justice for the victims.
The incident has further deepened fears among Rohingya civilians living under AA control, where arbitrary arrests, forced labor, and disappearances have been increasingly reported.
“This was a cold-blooded killing. These were innocent children, not criminals. The AA took them, denied any involvement, and now we have found their remains. This is a crime against humanity,” said a local resident who requested anonymity.
International human rights organizations have condemned the incident, urging independent investigations and accountability. However, no official statement has been released by AA or local authorities regarding the killings.
A Pattern of Systematic Abuses
This tragic case is part of a broader pattern of abuses targeting Rohingya civilians in Maungdaw and Buthidaung. Since the AA gained control of northern Rakhine, numerous reports have emerged of forced evictions, arbitrary detentions, extortion, and executions. Many fear that such extrajudicial killings will continue as the conflict intensifies.
“The world must not remain silent. If no action is taken, more innocent lives will be lost. The Rohingya deserve justice and protection,” said a relative of one of the victims.
As the community mourns yet another loss, families of the victims continue to demand justice, truth, and accountability. Meanwhile, fear and uncertainty grow among Rohingya civilians, who are left vulnerable under the increasing repression by armed groups in Rakhine State.
