Rohingya IDPs in Sittwe Face Ongoing Abuse and Extortion, Victims Say

Photo: Human Rights Watch

Arakan Now | 25 April 2026

Rohingya civilians displaced by recent fighting in northern Rakhine State report ongoing harassment, torture, and extortion by security forces in camps around Sittwe, according to testimonies collected by Arakan Now.

The affected individuals are among those who fled their homes in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships amid escalating clashes between the military regime and the Arakan Army. Many remain trapped in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps under difficult and insecure conditions.

One Rohingya man, speaking to Arakan Now on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described a pattern of nightly intimidation by police and members of “Sa Ra Fa.”

“Every evening, they come to our shelters, question us, take photographs, and demand money,” he said. “The police took 50 lakhs from us without any reason and threatened us in various ways.”

He also alleged that some camp residents have been arbitrarily detained. “There are cases where people have been taken away, and they have not been released yet,” he added.

He further alleged that some Rohingya camp officials extort money by threatening residents in various ways.

Residents say such incidents have contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the camps, where access to basic services is already limited.