SITTWE, Rakhine State: A seven-year-old Rohingya child was reportedly killed and several others injured after Myanmar military forces opened fire on a group of Rohingya civilians who had arrived at a beach near Sittwe on the night of April 24, according to local sources and human rights monitors.
Sources identified the child as the son of U Khi Sayr, a shop owner from Ali Village in Ward 2 of Maungdaw Township. He was reportedly shot in the head and died at the scene. A young female relative of another resident, identified by sources as a niece of Sayar Saddeq, was also said to have suffered serious gunshot injuries to her leg.
Witnesses alleged that the injured, along with others in the group, were later taken into custody at a police station in Sittwe. These reports could not be independently verified.
According to local accounts, the group had fled from Maungdaw and Buthidaung, where they said they had faced mounting pressure, including allegations of forced labour, forced recruitment, land confiscation, and demolition of homes amid ongoing conflict in northern Rakhine State.
After reaching Sittwe, displaced Rohingya reportedly continued to face severe hardship. Sources alleged repeated interrogations, arbitrary arrests, and extortion by local security personnel. They also claimed that late-night inspections have been carried out at hotels and private residences where Rohingya are sheltering, with demands for money reportedly made during such checks.
A human rights monitor familiar with the situation said Rohingya civilians continue to face insecurity and abuse regardless of which armed force controls the area.
“There is no compassion or respect for human dignity,” the monitor said. “Rohingya seeking safety continue to face fear, pressure, and serious violations of their rights.”
