Rohingya Still Barred from Returning to Maungdaw

For thousands of displaced Rohingya in Maungdaw Township, today was supposed to be a turning point—a chance to finally go home. Instead, it became yet another day of broken promises and deepening uncertainty.

The Arakan Army (AA) had assured Rohingya elders and community leaders that displaced families would be allowed to return to Maungdaw town starting March 25. However, when hopeful residents followed up with AA representatives this morning, they were met with rejection.

“We cannot allow any Muslim families to return until we receive further instructions from our higher authorities,” an AA officer reportedly told one Rohingya resident.

This is not the first delay. A previous return date of March 20 was also postponed without explanation, leaving thousands in limbo.

Currently, over 3,000 displaced Rohingya remain scattered across villages in northern Maungdaw, while another 3,000 are struggling in overcrowded conditions at the Hla Phoe Khaung rescue camp. In the south, at least 2,500 more are sheltering in makeshift conditions in villages like Pyaung Pin Gyi, Du-Nyaung Pin Gyi, Ma Kyay Chaung, and Nar Khaung To.

Many of these families were forcibly displaced during the 2024 conflict and now face severe food shortages, lack of medical care, and restrictions on movement.

Families from Maungdaw’s Kyain Tan, Maung Ni, and Wards 1, 2, and 4 had already submitted all the necessary documents to the AA, including household registration papers and photographs. Yet, no progress has been made in facilitating their return.

“We did everything they asked. We handed over the documents weeks ago. Now they are telling us to wait again, and we don’t know for how long,” said a community elder.

With Eid just weeks away, displaced Rohingya are growing increasingly desperate to return and celebrate with dignity.

“We just want to go back before Eid. We don’t want to stay in camps or in someone else’s house. We want to pray in our own mosques and break our fast with our families, in our own homes,” said a young displaced Rohingya from southern Maungdaw.

As of now, the AA’s promises remain unfulfilled, deepening the frustration and suffering of thousands. The continued delays highlight the growing disconnect between public statements and the harsh realities on the ground.

For the Rohingya in Maungdaw, each passing day brings more uncertainty, hardship, and fading hope.

Rohingya Vision News