Movement Restrictions and Permit System Imposed on Rohingya Residents in AA-Controlled Maungdaw Township

Maungdaw, Arakan– Rohingya residents in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, are facing strict movement restrictions, with entry into the town barred without recommendation letters issued under the administration of the Arakan Army (AA/ULA), local sources told AR Media Group on June 9, 2026.

Residents of Maungdaw said that people from northern Maungdaw and surrounding villages are not allowed to travel freely. They must obtain multiple levels of approval from village administration offices and sub-township authorities. Without these documents, AA checkpoints reportedly deny entry into the town.

Locals also reported that obtaining the required recommendation letters involves paying fees at different administrative levels, as well as making repeated visits to offices due to officials frequently being unavailable. They added that even for emergencies such as medical treatment or work-related travel movement is not permitted without proper documentation.

According to residents and local sources, the multi-step permit system, checkpoint controls, and financial costs are causing significant hardship, disrupting daily life and economic activities for Rohingya communities living in AA-controlled areas of Maungdaw District.