Arakan Army Using Former Junta Tactic of Census and Household Verification in Buthidaung Township

Arakan Now - 15 May 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) has begun conducting household inspections and photographing Rohingya families 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.

A resident told Arakan Now, “AA is also asking about family members living abroad and adding their names to the bottom of household lists, raising concerns about surveillance and future restrictions.”

Locals say the AA is using old household records previously maintained by the military, drawing parallels to past systems of control that targeted the Rohingya population.