ARSA Chief Ataullah: The Rise of a Mysterious Militant Leader
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Photo: Collected
Attaullah Abu Ammar Jununi, the long-discussed and criticized armed Rohingya organization Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), has finally been arrested by Bangladeshi security forces. The news of his arrest has brought relief to the Rohingya community and local residents.
Born in Pakistan, trained by the Taliban:
Although Ataullah was born in Pakistan, he spent his childhood in Saudi Arabia. After spending some time there, he established contact with Taliban-related groups and received military training. It is said that while in Saudi Arabia, he was influenced by some Rohingya families and entered Myanmar's Rakhine State with their help.
Formation of ARSA from Al-Yaqin:
After entering Myanmar, he formed a group called Al-Yaqin, which later became known as ARSA. Initially, they targeted local religious leaders, teachers, and civil society figures and carried out intimidation and torture. They forced Rohingya youth to join the organization by posing with heavy weapons. At one point, the organization grew in size and attacked security posts in Myanmar.
Suspicions of ties with the Myanmar military:
When ARSA was preparing to attack a Myanmar police checkpoint in 2017, the question arose - why didn't the Myanmar military prevent the attack in advance? Many suspect that Ataullah may have been working as a secret agent for the Myanmar military. As a result of his activities, the military began a crackdown on the Rohingya, as a result of which more than 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, which has now increased to more than 12 lakh.
Accused of killing Rohingya leader Master Muhiballah, who met Trump:
Ataullah is accused of killing the most popular Rohingya leader, Master Muhiballah. He also met with the then US President Donald Trump and played an important role in the repatriation of the Rohingya. He is also accused of killing Rohingya human rights activists and fishermen.
Allegations of drugs, kidnapping and violence against women:
ARSA has long been accused of drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion and violence against women. His organization has carried out various forms of violence to create fear among the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Killing of an intelligence officer in Bangladesh:
Ataullah and members of his organization were accused of killing a senior intelligence officer in Bangladesh. After this incident, the Bangladeshi security agencies became stricter and were finally able to arrest him.
Relief after arrest:
After Ataullah's arrest, there is an atmosphere of relief among the Rohingya community and local Bangladeshis. They are hopeful of getting rid of the long-standing violence, fear and criminal activities.
A close relative of Muhibullah, on the news of the arrest of Ataullah, one of the accused in the Muhibullah murder, hopes that the real criminals involved in the Muhibullah murder will be tried by the Bangladesh government soon.
Another colleague of Muhibullah, who did not want to be named, said, "Jununi directly threatened Master Muhibullah. The murder was committed on his orders, he saw Muhibullah as a source of headache." Mohammad Amin of Rohingya Camp No. 12, who was abducted by ARSA, was returned after paying a ransom of about 3 lakh taka, but still bears the marks of torture. Amin said, "Ataullah sold the heads of Rohingyas, we are happy with his arrest. I hope Bangladesh will punish him severely." Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has given a clear message that no criminal is above the law.
