Arakan Militias Accused of Forcing Rohingya Girls into Recruitment

Arakan Militias Accused of Forcing Rohingya Girls into Recruitment
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Widespread fear has gripped the Rohingya communities in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State after reports that Arakan Buddhist militias ordered local leaders in Maungdaw and Buthidaung to recruit young Rohingya women into their ranks.

According to local sources, militia representatives met community leaders on uOctober 6, demanding 50 unmarried women from each town to serve with the group.

Residents described the move as forced recruitment similar to past abuses by Myanmar’s army. Families have reportedly gone into hiding to protect their daughters, fearing exploitation or mistreatment.

Rights activists and community leaders have urged international organizations to intervene and investigate, calling the practice a serious violation of human rights.

The Rohingya population in Arakan continues to face restrictions, property confiscations, and displacement amid ongoing clashes between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s military since late 2023.