Motorcycles Seized in Maungdaw as Residents Ordered to Pay Fees for Release
Residents in northern Maungdaw say motorcycles seized at a local market were only returned after owners paid 100,000 kyats per vehicle, as new registration and taxation measures raise concern among Rohingya communities.
Maungdaw, Arakan State — Rohingya residents in northern Maungdaw say armed members of the Arakan Army seized motorcycles from a local market and later demanded payments from owners before returning the vehicles.
According to residents, the incident took place on May 7 at around 4:30 PM at Kyauk Hlet Khar market. Witnesses said several armed personnel arrived at the crowded market area, gathered motorcycles belonging to local residents, and transported them to Pyin Phyu Camp, formerly known as Area 5 and now referred to as AA Circle 3.
Residents said motorcycle owners were later summoned and instructed to pay 100,000 kyats per vehicle in order to recover their motorcycles. After the payments were made, the vehicles were reportedly returned to their owners.
Local sources stated that the money collection was carried out by a newly arrived administrative team rather than the group previously responsible for the area. Residents expressed concern that increasing controls over transportation and livelihoods could lead to further financial demands in the future.
People in the area also reported that authorities have ordered the registration of shops, motorcycles, three wheelers, minibuses, shrimp farms, tractors, and rice mills by the 15th of this month.
According to local residents, the registration process and possible taxation measures have created anxiety among business owners and vehicle operators, many of whom are already facing economic hardship.
A human rights activist criticized the situation, saying that civilians who are already struggling under difficult conditions are now facing additional financial pressure instead of support.
The activist further warned that growing restrictions and financial demands risk increasing hardship for local communities already affected by conflict and displacement.