Rohingya Villagers Blocked from Returning to Their Homes in Maungdaw

Approximately 7,000 Rohingyas from Lapaw Zar and Paung Zar villages in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, Myanmar, have been left homeless following clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military on May 6, 2024.

Four innocent Rohingya civilians from these villages were killed and many others injured due to an airstrike by the Myanmar military on that day. Over 40 houses were also burned down in the attack.

Since their forced displacement on May 6, the Rohingya villagers have been scattered around the township without shelter or humanitarian aid. They face severe restrictions on movement, preventing them from purchasing necessities or selling goods in the market.

The displaced Rohingya villagers cannot purchase anything as prices have skyrocketed. The AA has confiscated Lapaw Zar and Paung Zar villages since the clashes on May 6, 2024, and they have maintained their position there. Despite the absence of ongoing clashes, the evacuated villagers have not been permitted to return to their homes.

Most of the displaced Rohingyas are farmers and daily laborers who urgently need to return to their villages as the rainy season approaches. However, their attempts to re-enter their villages have been blocked by the AA, and they face intimidation when trying to return.

The AA must urgently arrange for the relocation of the displaced Rohingya back to their original villages. The Rohingya people, evacuated due to the clashes, are forbidden from returning to their homes in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, Myanmar. The villagers are desperate to return to their original homes.

Rohingya Vision News