Tensions continue to escalate in northern Maungdaw as two young Rohingya boys have gone missing while searching for their cattle on October 2, 2024, and six Rohingya villagers were abducted by the Arakan Army (AA) in separate incidents. The AA has imposed a curfew in the region, further aggravating the situation for the local Rohingya population.
Disappearance of Two Rohingya Boys
The incident involving the two boys, aged between 14 and 16, occurred around 5 PM on October 2. They ventured up a hill north of their village, Kyet Yoe Pyin, to look for their cattle and have not been seen since. Villagers fear the boys may have been detained by the Arakan Army, which is known to be stationed near the area, though no official information has been confirmed. A local resident remarked, “We worry they may have been taken while they were near the AA’s camp in the hills, though there is no formal AA camp around.”
Curfew and Abduction of Six Villagers
On the same day, the Arakan Army imposed a strict curfew across several northern Maungdaw villages, including Kyauk Hle Kha, Thayet Oak, Oo Shay Kya, and Mingalar Gyi. The curfew, which runs from 7 PM to 6 AM, was announced through village administrators via loudspeakers, prohibiting movement during these hours. Additionally, five villagers from each village are being forced to patrol throughout the night, with warnings of harsh consequences for non-compliance.
The abductions took place last week when six Rohingya villagers from Kyauk Hle Kha and Mingalar Gyi villages were taken by the AA while returning home from a local shop at around 8:30 PM. Witnesses confirm that the villagers were forcibly transported to the Pyin Phyu battalion (formerly a Border Guard Police outpost known as BGP-3), which is now under AA control. It is believed that around 30 AA soldiers are stationed there, and the location may also be used as an interrogation center. No contact has been made with the abducted villagers, and their fate remains unknown.
The abduction has sent waves of fear through the community, as the AA has been known to take detainees with little to no communication or explanation, leaving families in anguish. Recently, a man who ran a tea shop near the BGP-3 outpost was released after being held in AA custody, but others have not been so fortunate.
Increasing Insecurity and Theft
Adding to the chaos, local reports suggest that individuals from Rakhine villages have been entering Rohingya residential areas at night under the guise of frog hunting. However, they are accused of stealing valuables such as fishing nets and other household items. “They come in the name of searching for frogs, but they steal from us,” a villager reported, expressing frustration over the frequent thefts. The situation has increased tensions between the communities, with Rohingya villagers left vulnerable to harassment and robbery.
Rohingya Forced Conscription
There are also reports of Rohingya men and youth being forcibly conscripted by various armed groups in the region, including the Myanmar Army, ARSA, RSO, and ARA. Around 700 individuals are believed to have been conscripted from Kyet Yoe Pyin, Mingalar Gyi, and Kyauk Hle Kha villages, although details about their current whereabouts remain unclear.
Lack of Aid and Rising Concerns
Meanwhile, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern Maungdaw, including over 10,000 in Mingalar Gyi alone, continue to face hardships. These IDPs are receiving cash assistance from the AMGD, a partner of the World Food Programme (WFP), though the amount—50,000 kyats per person—barely meets their growing needs.
The combination of curfews, abductions, and the increased presence of armed groups has left the region in a state of uncertainty, with villagers constantly fearing for their lives and livelihoods. The situation remains dire, with no resolution in sight as the Rohingya continue to suffer amidst ongoing military and political conflicts in the region.
