Episode: KPN 29-05-2026

AA collects cattle from Rohingya businessmen, donates them for Eid al-Adha sacrifices in Maungdaw District

The Arakan Army (AA) and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), reportedly collected cattle from Rohingya businessmen in Maungdaw District and distributed them to poor families ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha (Qurbani), according to local residents and community elders.

Residents said that on May 27, ULA/AA distributed a total of 18 cattle across several villages in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. The donations were intended to support underprivileged Muslim families in observing the annual religious sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.

According to local sources, two cattle were allocated to villages in Maungdaw Township, including Du-Nyaungpyin Gyi, Four Mile, and Zula villages. Additional cattle were distributed to six villages in Buthidaung Township, including Htan Shauk Khan, New Delhi, New Tha Pyu Chaung, Kon Taing, Phaung Taw Pyin, and Phan Rang Chaung villages.

Community members allege that the cattle were not purchased by AA/ULA but were collected from Rohingya businessmen. Wealthier businessmen were reportedly asked to contribute two or three cattle each, while some Rohingya business owners across Rakhine State were allegedly required to provide significantly higher numbers.

“We were asked to hand over cattle because we were considered financially capable,” a resident of Maungdaw told reporters on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. “Refusing was not an option.”

Sources further alleged that although the cattle were publicly presented as donations funded by AA/ULA, the animals had been obtained from Rohingya business owners.

In addition to the cattle collection, residents claimed that households performing Qurbani were required to contribute one viss (approximately 1.6 kilograms) of beef and 5,000 kyats per sacrificed animal. According to local villagers, the collections were reportedly organized through village administrators under instructions from AA authorities.

The claims could not be independently verified, and AA/ULA has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Tagged as: Rohingya, war crimes, Rohingya Refugee, Camp schools, Akyab, ICC, Rohingya refugee camp, community schools, APBn, ICJ, RRRC, foods shortage, Balukhali, accountability, Sittwe, hungers, Bangadesh refugee camp, Bangladesh, Teknaf, ration cut, BGP, Genocide Convention, Burma-Bangladesh border, Arakan, RSO, Buthidaung, BGB, Burma, Malaysia going boat, IDP camp in Arakan, Arakan Army, Myanmar, Military navy, Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar, Rohingya boat people, Maungdaw, Military Council force, Rakhine, IIMM, Rathedaung, ARSA.