Human Rights Violations Reported in Maungdaw District
Border News Agency
Maungdaw, November 5.
Residents of Maungdaw District, under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) and governed by the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government, have reported widespread human rights violations affecting all civilians in the area.
According to local inhabitants, all civilians in Maungdaw are facing restrictions on their freedom of movement. They are required to obtain permission from village heads and local authorities of the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government to leave their villages. Additionally, all motorcycles are subjected to inspections at military checkpoints, making it difficult for residents to travel outside their villages.
These restrictions are reported to be specific to the Maungdaw District, particularly in areas such as Maungdaw and Buthidaung, where the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government imposes strict controls. Locals have pointed out that there were no such inspections during the earlier military regimes, indicating a significant deterioration in human rights conditions.
A resident of Maungdaw expressed, "Even to leave the village, we need a permit. We must undergo inspections with our motorcycles at every AA checkpoint. This situation is worse than during the military surveillance era. In the past, there was no need for inspections at every gate."
Despite these challenges, some residents from neighboring areas like Rathedaung Township have reported that they do not face the same restrictions and can move freely without needing permits.
Local citizens, particularly impoverished Muslims in Maungdaw, are said to be facing severe hardships. A resident shared, "When we fled, we didn’t take anything. I requested permission to go back and retrieve clothes, but it was denied. Those with money can bribe military officers to facilitate their return, but we, who are struggling to survive, can't even fish outside our village."
The Arakan Army has reportedly been conducting military operations in Maungdaw, tightening their grip on the area and imposing control over the district.
The Maungdaw District is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Rohingya, Mro, Khamin, Thet, Dainet, Marama, Hindu, and Muslim communities. All civilians are believed to be under the control of the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government, according to local sources.
Human rights activists have accused the Arakan Army of committing war crimes and violating human rights in the region. There are calls from international organizations for an investigation into the situation in Maungdaw District.
The northern part of Maungdaw is reportedly under the control of the AA’s security forces, while the southern part, including Buthidaung, is monitored by another military unit known as Alpha 2.