By: Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, 26 June 2025– Armed group ULA/AA (United League of Arakan/Arakan Army) has been accused of systematically confiscating homes, businesses, and land owned by Rohingya residents in Maungdaw and Buthidaung. The justification often given for these seizures is alleged links between Rohingya property owners and either ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) or Myanmar’s military regime, accusations that are frequently unverified or unfounded.
Since fighting escalated in August 2024, AA forces have launched drone attacks in Rohingya-populated neighborhoods such as Kanyin Tan, displacing hundreds. After capturing Maungdaw on 8 December 2024, the group reportedly began large-scale property seizures in areas where residents had fled or were forcibly relocated as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In March 2025, over 200 homes in Kanyin Tan were marked with red signs, accusing the owners of collaborating with the military junta. Locals, however, believe the motivations were more financial than political.
“Some families paid large sums of money to have the red marks removed,” a resident told Rohingya Khobor. “Once they paid, the AA allowed them to stay. It seems clear that this is about extortion, not justice.”
Witnesses also allege that AA soldiers looted homes before allowing displaced families to return, taking solar panels, batteries, furniture, and building materials—often using civilian trucks and wearing plain clothes to avoid detection.
On 20 June, further homes in Kanyin Tan were reportedly targeted for seizure. The AA once again cited links to ARSA or the junta as justification. However, local sources say many affected families had no political affiliations, further raising concerns about the legitimacy of these accusations.
“In Buthidaung, all the properties of Rohingya businessmen were taken away by labeling them ARSA supporters,” said a businessman from the area. “But many of them had nothing to do with ARSA or the military.”
Residents also noted a clear double standard: properties belonging to Rakhine individuals with known ties to the former military regime remain untouched, suggesting the targeting is both selective and discriminatory.
Rohingya community activists warn that the ongoing seizures represent a deliberate attempt to dismantle the economic foundations of Rohingya society in northern Rakhine.
“They want to strip us of our livelihoods, our homes, and our future—leaving us with no voice and no means to survive,” one activist said.
