In this year, approximately 30,000 Rohingya individuals have been forcibly displaced from Maungdaw and Buthidong due to escalating conflict between the Arakan Army and the military junta. These individuals are currently seeking temporary refuge in Bangladesh refugee camps. Tragically, over 2,500 Rohingya lives have been lost in the clashes in Rakhine State, while others have perished during their desperate attempts to flee, particularly along the Naf River.
Numerous Rohingya individuals are being apprehended arbitrarily by the Arakan Army, resulting in their status as hostages. In some instances, they are utilized as shields for the protection of the Arakan Army. Additionally, some Rohingya individuals are compelled to join the Arakan Army and military junta in the present day.
Sabet, one of the boys forcibly recruited by the Arakan army, endured numerous days of combat. He feared imminent death if he remained in the vicinity for an extended period. Consequently, he attempted to escape the base of the Arakan army and sought refuge in various locations for his safety and protection. During his escape, he was accompanied by others when they were ambushed by the Arakan army. Artillery shells were fired, resulting in the immediate death of several individuals, including Sabet, who was struck by a bullet in the back.
“My scar may fade, but the trauma and nightmares I endured will forever haunt me until my final breath,” Muhammad Sabet asserts.
Due to the injury, he arrived in Bangladesh with the assistance of the local community and received treatment at a non-governmental organization (NGO) hospital for several days. After discharge, his recovery was still incomplete. He lacks parental support and relatives in the refugee camp. Despite this, he manages to reside with one of his villagers while enduring the pain and burns of his injury.
Hundreds of Rohingya individuals, like him, have fled the country with physical scars and wounds, yet they continue to seek better treatment in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, many lack financial resources for prompt wound recovery and primarily rely on humanitarian assistance, which results in slower healing.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Arakan, numerous Rohingya individuals have suffered severe physical disabilities and lost limbs. Additionally, a significant number of women have become widows, and many children have become orphans. It is evident that the international community is not adequately prepared to address and mitigate the violence perpetuating in Arakan, despite its widespread portrayal in media.
“Sabet further stated that he had never anticipated encountering these challenges during his youth and is currently grappling with these difficulties as a Muslim minority in Myanmar.”
Despite ongoing heavy fighting between the Arakan Army and the military junta, which has resulted in the targeting of Muslim minorities and other minorities for their perceived use, the international community has not prioritized addressing this crisis. I humbly request the support of the world community to help me return to my homeland with dignity and citizenship, where I can live in peace.
