ARNC’s Tun Khin and Nay San Lwin on Htan Shauk Kan Massacre

Arakan Now | 5 August 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) killed nearly 600 civilians in Htan Shauk Kan (locally known as Honya Seeri), a Rohingya village in Buthidaung Township, on 2 May 2024, according to eyewitnesses and survivors.

More than a year later, graphic images have emerged from the site. They show human remains—unburied, partly submerged in water, and covered by wild plants.

Arakan Now spoke to two key Rohingya figures on the situation.

Nay San Lwin, Co-chair, Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC):

“When an individual or group commits a crime, it is crucial to hold them accountable and ensure that justice is served to the victims. The crimes carried out by the Arakan Army (AA) against the Rohingya constitute the most serious international crimes. These acts continue the genocide, even though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued provisional measures to protect the Rohingya community.”

“The ongoing crimes carried out by the AA clearly violate the ICJ’s order and other international laws. At the Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC), we are actively exploring all possible avenues to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“We remain committed to this pursuit and will continue our efforts until justice is served for our people. At this stage, that is all we are able to share.”

Tun Khin, Chairperson, Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC):

“As per our recent statement, the ARNC strongly condemns the massacre of over 600 Rohingya civilians perpetrated by the Arakan Army in Htan Shauk Kan village in May of last year.”

“Alongside the newly surfaced photos, there are also eyewitness testimonies providing horrifying evidence of the mass killing of entire families, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.”

“This atrocity is further proof of the AA’s ongoing campaign of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Rohingya people.”

“As Chairperson of the ARNC, and having worked extensively to pursue accountability for atrocities committed by the Myanmar military via international justice mechanisms—I believe the same legal standards must now apply to the Arakan Army.”

“ARNC is actively collecting and submitting evidence with the intention of pursuing accountability through these legal mechanisms. We are also working in coordination with legal teams and partners in other countries to support similar action against the Arakan Army as brought against the Burmese military.”

“Accountability must not be selective. All perpetrators of mass atrocity crimes—regardless of their background or political alignment—must face justice. The Rohingya people have suffered far too long, and we are committed to ensuring that this time, the world does not look away.”