Maungdaw Township, Arakan State
A local committee reportedly linked to the United League of Arakan / Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has been accused of interfering in Islamic religious affairs and demanding money from mosques in Maungdaw Township, according to local sources who spoke to WSNews24.
A member of a mosque management committee, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said that on March 7 a delegation led by a man identified as Maulvi Maw Saud visited several mosques in the area. Residents described the group as a “jury” associated with the AA administration.
According to the source, the delegation demanded 100,000 kyats from each mosque, claiming the funds would support an initiative connected to the AA.
After collecting the money, mosque trustees — including chairpersons, secretaries, and treasurers — were reportedly required to provide personal details, have their photographs taken, and sign documents. The information was allegedly submitted to the Muslim Affairs Council and the township administration.
The delegation also reportedly informed mosque committees that they would no longer be allowed to appoint religious teachers independently.
“No teacher can be appointed without the approval of the Muslim Affairs Council,” the source quoted Maulvi Maw Saud as saying.
Local residents have expressed concern over what they describe as increasing involvement by the ULA/AA administration in religious affairs.
One resident noted that during the previous administration under the military council, mosque committees were typically selected through community voice votes without outside interference.
“The authorities did not interfere in religious matters. If we informed them, they simply facilitated arrangements,” the resident said. “But under the AA/ULA administration, interference in Islamic religious affairs reflects a lack of religious freedom.”
In addition to the mosque-related activities, sources also alleged that Maulvi Maw Saud has been working with AA authorities to collect money from Rohingya residents through various methods. These reportedly include accusations of links to armed groups, alleged military service violations, land-related taxes, and fabricated legal cases.
With fewer opportunities for such practices in recent months, local sources suggest that the recent demands placed on mosque committees may represent a new method of collecting funds under administrative pretexts.
