by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Arakan State — October 14, 2026
Officials from the United League of Arakan and Arakan Army (ULA/AA) reportedly told Rohingya community representatives in northern Maungdaw Township that residents would be expected to provide money, labour and young people when requested by the administration.
The reported instructions were given during a meeting on October 12 at the No. 3 regional office, according to a person who attended.
The participant said ULA/AA officials, village administrators, police representatives, members of a local judicial committee and Rohingya community elders were present.
During the meeting, officials reportedly discussed the ongoing conflict, local development projects and the responsibilities expected of residents living under ULA administration.
According to the participant, the officials said they needed additional fighters and weapons to defend Arakan State against the Myanmar military.
They reportedly told Rohingya representatives that communities would be expected to contribute financial support when requested.
Residents were also asked to help repair roads and bridges through local labour and community contributions.
The participant said officials instructed Rohingya residents to follow ULA administrative rules and warned them against contacting or providing assistance to Rohingya armed groups. They also reportedly told residents not to allow relatives abroad to send money to those groups.
More significantly, the officials allegedly said Rohingya communities would be expected to provide young people, labour and security-related assistance whenever requested by the ULA/AA.
The account did not specify how many young people might be required, whether the duties would involve military service or whether residents would be permitted to refuse.
Concerns Over Possible Relocation
The meeting also reportedly included instructions concerning the possible relocation of Rohingya residents.
According to the participant, officials said that if the AA ordered residents to leave their homes, they would be required to move to the Lha Pho Khaung relocation camp.
The participant further alleged that such an order would apply specifically to Rohingya residents.
Rohingya Khobor could not independently verify the reported instruction or establish whether any relocation order had been formally issued.
The latest account follows earlier reports of financial demands, forced labour and restrictions affecting Rohingya communities in areas administered by the ULA/AA.
In June, the Burma Human Rights Network reported allegations that hundreds of Rohingya residents in northern Maungdaw had been compelled to work on infrastructure for new settlements.
Rohingya Khobor has also previously reported residents’ accounts of mandatory household contributions and disputes over Rohingya-owned farmland in Maungdaw.
The October 12 meeting raises further questions about whether Rohingya residents may be required to provide labour or personnel for military-related activities and what protection they would have against displacement.
The ULA/AA’s response to the latest allegations was not available at the time of reporting.
