In Maungdaw Township, where internet services have been cut off by the Arakan Army (AA) citing security concerns, some Rohingya residents are still managing to access the internet at a bridge near Maung Ni village, where the signal from Bangladesh is available. They use it to communicate with relatives abroad and to address urgent needs.
However, local residents told wsnews24.com that AA’s sector commanders and soldiers have been blocking such activities, threatening and extorting those who use the internet in this way.
Rohingya residents of Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships said they respect AA’s decision to restrict the internet on security grounds, but they also emphasized that the AA should show understanding toward civilians who need to contact relatives abroad for survival and livelihood purposes.
One local resident said:
“Because the internet is cut off, we search for places where the signal works to manage money transfers and keep in touch with family. But AA soldiers are constantly harassing, obstructing us, taking photos, threatening and extorting money. It’s a very frightening situation.”
Local communities and human rights groups have condemned the AA’s internet shutdown and are also calling for investigations into the threats and extortion by AA soldiers, which they say violate basic rights.
