Arakan Army Forces Rohingya Community Leaders to Deny Htan Shauk Kan Massacre

Arakan Now | 23 August 2025

On 21 August, the Arakan Army (AA) gathered 160 Rohingya community leaders from Maungdaw and Buthidaung at Ward 5, Buthidaung, where they were subjected to intimidation and threats, according to local sources.

Under severe pressure, the leaders were forced to claim that the massacre of 2 May 2024 in Htan Shauk Kan was carried out by the military, not the AA, and that the bodies discovered were soldiers rather than villagers.

The leaders were also compelled to sign a statement denying the AA’s responsibility for the killings.

A resident who spoke to Arakan Now said the community is living in fear, trapped between violence and enforced silence, and many are terrified to speak out. “We have no choice but to do what they say,” the resident told Arakan Now, his voice heavy with fear. “If we refuse, our lives are at risk. We are helpless.”

When Arakan Now contacted Nay San Lwin, Co-Chair of the Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC), he said: “We knew in advance what the Arakan Army (AA) would do. Now, releasing a letter by imams is similar to what happened in Minbya in 2021. We understand that they are under pressure from the Arakan Army and were forced to sign. But this will not erase the truth. The truth is that the Arakan Army massacred at least 600 Rohingya in Thant Shauk Kan. The evidence we have is mounting. Several investigations by various international groups are ongoing, and the findings will be released once completed. The Arakan Army will be held accountable for its crimes against the Rohingya.”