In Maungdaw town, where most areas are controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), public properties continue to be looted as of November 22. Residents of Maungdaw Township are calling for action to arrest and investigate those involved in such looting.
In Maungdaw town, due to growing safety concerns, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) issued an emergency announcement on June 16 at 9 PM, urging residents to evacuate immediately. Following this, another statement was released on August 7, and the ULA/AA took emergency action to rescue civilians in Maungdaw town.
Additionally, local residents of Maungdaw have reported that the Arakan Army (AA) has gained control over all areas of the town after launching attacks on junta troops stationed throughout Maungdaw, armed Muslim trainees, and armed militants claiming to be Rohingya.
During these clashes, residents of Maungdaw have reported ongoing looting of houses, shops, markets, motorcycles, and vehicles in the town up to this day. The residents are calling on the Arakan People’s Government to identify, arrest, and take action against those responsible for the looting, including individuals misusing public property for personal gain and those involved in such activities.
“To enter the town, one must submit an application to the relevant territorial authorities and obtain permission. When transporting goods out of the town, the ULA/AA records the items. There are also individuals living in the town without relatives or houses, simply taking advantage of the situation. These actions undermine public trust. We call for accountability and action against those responsible, including those involved in theft, misuse, and illegal trade,” a displaced resident from Maungdaw told Border News Agency.
To gain entry into Maungdaw town, individuals had to obtain permission from the Maungdaw Township Administrator, Maung Maung Tun, who allowed only his family members, associates, and those who had paid him money to enter. Locals of Maungdaw have reported that Maung Maung Tun abused his authority, using the remaining livestock, including cows and buffaloes left behind by displaced people, for personal gain, accusing him of engaging in malicious actions.
Despite engaging in such self-serving actions, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government reportedly did not take any investigative or corrective actions but instead reassigned him to Buthidaung Township. This has been stated by Maungdaw residents.
Among those exploiting their positions for personal gain, Maungdaw residents have pointed out that some members of the ULA, Arakan Army officers, as well as their family members and associates, are also involved in such activities.
According to residents of Maungdaw, the looted items from within the town were transported by trucks, and once outside the town, large vehicles carried them through Buthidaung Township, heading towards places like Rathetaung, Ponnakyun and Kyauktaw, where they were sold.
As of November 22 and continuing to this day, looted items from Maungdaw town have been transported through Buthidaung Township, Ma Yu Kan area, and ZadiPrin, with these goods reportedly being resold in rural villages and markets within Maungdaw Township, as confirmed by Maungdaw residents.
“We have seen books, wallets, and clothes being looted and sold. We trusted the AA, which is why we fled with just a single set of clothes. We didn’t even bring cooking pots for food. These actions are causing the public to lose trust. It will not be easy for the commanders to clear this up later. If there is no action taken regarding the involvement of the troops, it is certain that public support will completely decline,” a displaced woman from Maungdaw told Border News Agency.
The Arakan Army (AA) issued a statement on November 13, marking the one-year anniversary of its military campaign, stating that it had nearly completed its control of the entire Maungdaw Township and that intense battles were still ongoing. Although the AA had secured the town of Maungdaw, only a border guard post located in the outskirts of the town remained, with the AA continuing to launch attacks against it.
In addition to looting and selling household items from homes in Maungdaw town, shop owners and residents have confirmed that motorcycle sales shops were also broken into, with all motorcycles being stolen and sold. These actions have been verified by both shop owners and Maungdaw residents.
In addition, Maungdaw residents have confirmed that the KBZ Bank in Maungdaw was also looted, with computers and all office equipment taken. Furthermore, in residential areas, not only clothing but also food supplies, including rice and other essential items, were looted, leaving nothing behind.
“There is not even a single spoon left in the house in Maungdaw. In homes with many women, not even a single piece of clothing remains. When families fled, they left with just one set of clothes they were wearing. If the thieves want to loot everything in a house, they would need large trucks to carry it all away,” a displaced woman from Maungdaw’s new town area told Border News Agency.
In Maungdaw Township, some members of the ULA/AA are reportedly using civilian vehicles, although there have been instances where they have not provided fuel for these vehicles. Additionally, vehicles left behind by the Myanmar junta are also being used. The residents of Maungdaw have stated that some of these vehicles have been abandoned in damaged areas and later repaired for further use.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government issued a statement on September 13, 2024, confirming that individuals involved in looting have been thoroughly investigated. Those who were found to be guilty have faced appropriate punishment, and the looted goods have been returned to their rightful owners. The AA also mentioned that ongoing investigations are continuing to address any remaining unresolved cases of missing items.
As a result, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has urged the people of Arakan to report any missing valuable items such as gold, silver, and jewelry, which were not lost in battle but instead safely stored or hidden in homes. If these items cannot be found, citizens are encouraged to report the matter to the relevant district or regional administrators to ensure proper investigation and recovery.
The Arakan Army (AA) has clearly outlined the duties and responsibilities that its soldiers must follow during the conflict, including the protection of civilians, their homes, and property. These guidelines are in place to ensure that soldiers act with respect for the people and their belongings, and they have been instructed at various levels to adhere to these rules and regulations.
Despite the clear guidelines set by the Arakan Army (AA) to protect civilians and their property, some members, including those in some positions, have reportedly abused their authority for personal gain. The AA has announced that it will take strong and effective actions against any wrongdoers involved in such misconduct, ensuring accountability for those who violate the code of conduct.
