Mentally Ill Woman Dies After Brutal Torture by Arakan Army in Buthidaung Township

Arakan Now, 1 May 2025

Rotiya, a mentally ill woman from Myaung Nah Upper Village in Buthidaung, died after being cruelly tortured by the Arakan Army.

She was the daughter of Shofit Ahmed. She had been suffering from mental illness for many years. She often wandered around the village, unaware of her surroundings.

On April 1st, members of the Arakan Army took her away. They poured hot water on her, badly burning her body. Later, they threw her near a bridge in Myaung Nah. Villagers found her and took her home. But her wounds were too serious. After three days of pain, Rotiya died.

There are no proper doctors or clinics in Buthidaung township. Some doctors who are available are Rakhine, and they often refuse to treat Rohingya patients, even if they are paid.

In many cases, the only option for Rohingya people is to flee to Bangladesh for treatment. But even this has become nearly impossible. The Arakan Army does not allow Rohingya to get treatment in their own hospitals. They also do not allow them to travel to other towns for care.

If a Rohingya is seriously sick, they must pay a large amount of money to get a recommendation letter from the Arakan Army just to pass from their village. Without this letter, they are stuck, no matter how urgent the illness.

Rotiya’s death shows the cruel reality faced by Rohingya people in Arakan. Even the weak, sick, and mentally ill are not safe. Life is becoming harder every day.