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Muslims in Maungdaw Enjoy Full Religious Freedom
- globalarakannetwork
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
News
Global Arakan Network December 12, 2025
Muslim residents in areas of Rakhine State administered by the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) say they now enjoy complete freedom to practise their religion, including the right to worship freely and hold religious festivals without restriction.
Local Muslims report that, in addition to religious freedom, they have full rights to travel, access education, and engage in business – rights that every citizen should enjoy. “Mosques serve as the central places for our religious, social, and educational activities,” said Ali Kabir, a Muslim community member.
Another local resident, Auzula, told AB News: “Under the current AA administration, we Muslims can worship in mosques without any hindrance. We are free to organise and celebrate religious events. The mosque is where we discuss and decide on religious festivals, community work, and educational programmes. We can now come and go as we please.”
In contrast, during the previous military council administration, Muslims in the area were barred from praying inside mosques, many mosques were sealed shut, and the community lived in fear of holding any religious gatherings, residents said.
Rohingya resident Rohing from Maungdaw township recalled: “Back when the military council was in charge, we were not allowed to pray inside mosques according to our traditions. Mosques were locked. We were afraid even to organise religious events. Now we have nothing to fear – we can practise our faith freely.”
The “Myoma Jama Mosque”, the main mosque in Maungdaw that had been closed for 13 years following the 2012 communal violence, was officially reopened on the morning of 12 September by ULA/AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing in person.
Muslim religious leaders say the fact that Maj. Gen. Tun Myat Naing personally visits communities on the ground and ensures freedom of worship, permission to build or renovate religious buildings, and other rights clearly demonstrates the ULA/AA’s commitment to establishing a free, just, and peaceful Rakhine State where Arakanese and Muslim communities can live together in harmony.
AB News field observations confirm that in townships currently under Arakan Army control, mutual understanding, friendship, and trust between the Arakanese and Muslim communities have significantly improved.
