Forced Conscription & Extortion by AA in Buthidaung

Recent reports from Buthidaung reveal an alarming increase in oppressive actions by the Arakan Army (AA) against the Rohingya community.

The AA has issued orders in the villages of Sein Hynin Pyar and Hpon Nyo Leik, demanding the conscription of at least 100 Rohingya youths. This forced recruitment is enforced with severe threats, including the warning that non-compliance would result in the entire village being set ablaze.

The situation in Ward 5 is particularly distressing, as children as young as 10 are being abducted daily by the AA. In a desperate bid to protect their children, many families are forced to hide them at night. Additionally, the AA is extorting families, demanding payments of 8 to 9 million Kyat to spare their children from forced conscription.

Residents of Ward 5 are also suffering from severe extortion. Those who manage to pay the AA 1 million Kyat for food receive commodities worth only half that amount. The AA’s inflated prices, often triple the market rate, are exacerbating the already dire situation, leading to widespread food shortages.

Rohingya Vision News