May 20, 2025
RHRC-The humanitarian crisis for the Rohingya people continues to escalate, with widespread displacement, forced deportations, and targeted oppression occurring in Myanmar and beyond that seems like hell for the Rohingya on earth.
Arakan Army Resumes Junta-Like Surveillance of Rohingya
Adding to the community’s fear is the AA’s recent reintroduction of a controversial household verification process in Buthidaung Township, a tactic previously used by the Myanmar military junta. In Nan Yar Gone village, AA members are entering homes, recording personal details, and taking family photographs. Each family is being charged 500 kyats for the photograph, with an additional 10,000 kyats will be needed to pay when household documents are once issued.
Locals report concerns over surveillance and future restrictions, especially with the addition of relatives living abroad to household lists. The use of military-era records has heightened fears of renewed systematic control.
Massacre and Mass Displacement in Buthidaung
One of the worst attacks in recent memory was on 17 May 2024, in Buthidaung Township. According to eyewitnesses, the Arakan Army (AA) stormed into Ward No. 1, “We saw our homes, the AA burned buildings, killed people, and trapped Rohingya inside government buildings before setting them on fire,” said Anwar Farok, a survivor who joined nearly half a million displaced Rohingya on the road to Maungdaw. We quickly packed our important documents, knowing our home would be next and we escaped.
Nay San Lwin, a Rohingya activist, told Anadolu Agency, “In May, the (Arakan Army) ordered the Rohingya in downtown Buthidaung to leave the town no later than May 18 at 10 AM. When the Rohingya refused to leave, they set fire to the entire downtown area at 9:30 PM, not even waiting for their own deadline.” Thousands were forced to flee through remote rural areas, where they faced hunger, thirst, and violence. Many ultimately sought refuge in villages like Hpon Nyo Leik, where local residents offered shelter and support.
India Deports Rohingya Refugees, Splitting Families
Meanwhile, across the border, Indian authorities deported at least 43 Rohingya refugees on 6 May, including children, elderly, and a cancer patient. Reports suggest they were flown from Delhi to Port Blair, then allegedly abandoned in international waters near Myanmar’s Tanintharyi region. They should have sent the whole family, why separate and break us like this?” said Shamina, a 38-year-old refugee who lost five family members in the deportation.
Detainees, including young children, were reportedly held in overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms without access to water or milk. On 15 May, eight more Rohingyas were reportedly picked up from Jaitpur, according to Salman. A UN expert has launched an inquiry into the incident, describing the deportations as “unconscionable, unacceptable acts” and has sought an explanation from the Indian government
However, as the Rohingya face renewed ethnic violence in Myanmar and unsafe returns from abroad, international attention and urgent action are needed to prevent further atrocities and safeguard the rights and dignity of this persecuted community.
