ARSA, RSO conscript Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Myanmar regime

By Admin 10 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
10 May 2024, Sittwe

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) reportedly abducted more than 500 Muslims from the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh on April 29, saying that it was ordered by the Arakkha Army (AA) to conscript Muslims.

Muslims from Nos. 1, 6, 18 and 19 subcamps were abducted, said a Muslim refugee.

“They abducted young people purportedly for the AA. Some were snatched from their shelters, and some on the streets. We don’t know where they were taken. Some have reportedly been released after paying a ransom,” he said.

A Muslim activist called the abductions a violation of human rights and called on the Bangladeshi government to address the issue.

“We oppose those acts. We don’t want any organisation that is working for self-interests in the name of Rohingya. They don’t represent Rohingya,” he said.

The AA has also said that ARSA, RSO and the Arakan Rohingya Army are conscripting young Muslim men from refugee camps in Bangladesh for the regime while claiming that they are doing so for the AA.

“It is very despicable that they are recruiting in our name. We strongly condemn those organisations,” said AA spokesman Khaing Thukha on Wednesday.

The regime has reportedly conscripted and provided military training to Muslims including IDPs in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. Many have been sent to the front line to fight the AA. 

ARSA, ARA and RSO are also fighting alongside the regime in Buthidaung and Maungdaw.

Muslims were among hundreds of junta soldiers and their family members from the 15th Military Operations Command in Buthidaung who surrendered on May 2, according to a video file released by the AA.