Rohingya residents in northern Maungdaw Township have alleged that the United League of Arakan (ULA) and its armed wing, the Arakan Army (AA), have introduced mandatory monthly household fees in areas under their administration.

According to local residents, the Kyauk Hlai Kkar area, formerly known as Area (6), has recently been reorganized as AA/ULA District (3).

Villagers said the district commander convened a meeting with Rohingya residents at Kyauk Hlai Kkar School on June 27 to announce the new administrative measure.

According to participants, households were instructed to pay a monthly fee ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 kyats, depending on the household. Residents said the payments are to be collected through local administrative offices before being forwarded to the district command.

Several attendees told Kaladan Press Network that they were not given an opportunity to raise questions or discuss the decision during the meeting.

Residents expressed concern over the financial burden of the new payments, particularly for families already struggling with limited livelihoods and restricted access to income.

Some local observers also questioned the policy, noting that the AA has repeatedly stated that it seeks to represent and protect all ethnic communities in Rakhine State.

Critics interviewed by Kaladan Press Network argued that mandatory financial contributions imposed without public consultation have raised concerns among local communities regarding governance, transparency and accountability in areas administered by the AA/ULA.

The AA/ULA has not publicly responded to the allegations, and Kaladan Press Network was unable to independently verify the reported claims.

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