Rohingya Face Restrictions and Forced Recruitment by AA

Rohingya communities in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, Myanmar, are facing severe oppression under the Arakan Army (AA), with restrictions on movement and forced recruitment into the armed group being imposed.

Movement Restrictions Along the Naf River

On December 2, the Arakan Army’s head commander stationed at the Pyin Pyu battalion issued an intimidating order prohibiting Rohingya villagers from approaching the Naf River.

A source reported, “The Rohingya villagers of Minglalar Gyi village have been banned from fishing in the Naf River within Myanmar’s territory since December 2.”

The source further revealed, “Those who disobey the order and fish in the Naf River risk being shot on sight or detained indefinitely.”

The Rohingya from Minglalar Gyi village, who primarily rely on fishing in the Naf River for their livelihood, have now been left without any means to sustain their daily lives. These restrictions have exacerbated the community’s hardships and plunged them into further uncertainty.

Forced Recruitment of Rohingya Youth

In a separate but equally alarming development, the Arakan Army (AA) is forcibly recruiting Rohingya youth to join its ranks. On December 1, the group summoned the head villagers of Ngasa Kyu, Kiya Yu Pyin, Nant Chaung, and U Chi Cha villages to demand compliance with their oppressive orders.

According to reports, the AA required every household to provide one chicken and one youth, aged 18 to 40, to join their forces. Noncompliance would result in brutal punishments, including the removal of families from their villages.

A source stated, “The head commander of the Arakan Army in Kyin Chaung village declared that these orders must be obeyed. Families that refuse to send their youth will face detention.”

Reports indicate that forcibly recruited Rohingya youths are being used as human shields in ongoing conflicts, putting their lives at grave risk.

The combined restrictions on movement and forced recruitment highlight the increasing threats faced by the Rohingya in northern Maungdaw. These oppressive measures by the Arakan Army (AA) are further marginalizing a community already enduring severe persecution.

Rohingya Vision News