AA Orders Rohingya to Remain Indoors in Maungdaw

The Arakan Army (AA) has issued a threatening order to several Rohingya villages in Maungdaw, demanding that residents remain indoors and dismantle the bamboo fences surrounding their homes. This order, which targets villages in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, has caused widespread fear among the Rohingya community.

On September 22, the AA instructed the inhabitants of 12 villages in Phone Nyo Leik to remain inside their homes from 10 a.m. onwards. The AA also ordered the removal of bamboo fences from their properties, heightening the sense of insecurity among villagers.

“We are not allowed to leave our homes under any circumstances, even in emergencies,” said a local resident. “They’ve threatened us to take down our bamboo fences, which makes our women especially vulnerable. It’s extremely difficult for us to stay indoors all day, and we no longer feel safe without the fences.”

According to a source close to the AA, the group is planning door-to-door raids in Phone Nyo Leik, during which homes will be searched and suspects abducted. “There were no such inspections or raids even during previous conflicts,” a villager explained. “It’s alarming that these sudden raids are happening now, without any fighting in the area. We fear being falsely accused and abducted. Many innocent people have been taken in the past on false charges, and some were even killed in custody. The same fate could await us.”

Residents have reported that AA forces have already visited Phone Nyo Leik and Young Chaung villages, where they threatened villagers to remove the fences around their homes.

The Rohingya in Buthidaung Township continue to face persecution, including forced conscription, torture, and killings at the hands of the AA. Many young people have been abducted on false accusations, and the community lives in constant fear of the AA’s ongoing atrocities.

Rohingya Vision News