Maungdaw, Arakan State: Arbitrary squeezing money is being continued in Maungdaw Township by Burma’s border security force (Nasaka) from Rohingya villagers, according to a local leader who denied to be named.
“On March 2, at about 10:00
pm, a group of Nasaka personnel from camp No. 14, under the Nasaka area No.6
went to Shwe Zaar village of Maungdaw Township and arrested Khaled (22), son of
Mostaque Ahmed and Saley Ahmed (32), son of Sultan over the allegation that
they were involved in the violence of June 8, 2012. Both of them belong to Shwe
Zaar village of Maungdaw north.”
“The violence between
Rakhine and Rohingya communities was occurred nine months ago. So many Rohingya
people were killed, arrested and jailed with this allegation. But, the
concerned authorities are still arresting innocent Rohingya villagers to
extract money in the guise of maintaining laws and orders.”
The Nasaka officer demanded
Kyat one million per each from the arrestees to be released. But, they are
still in the camp because the arrestees are not able to fulfill the Nasaka’s
demand, the leader added.
Whenever, the Nasaka wants
to extort money from Rohingya villagers, they arrest innocent Rohingya
villagers with false and fabricated accusations. They have well knowledge, how
they will get money from villagers after threatening them in various ways. They
(Nasaka) are free from fear to arrest and tortoure innocent Rohingya people
whenever they (Nasaka) want because of higher authorities’ permission, the
elder more added.
The said two villagers were
arrested because of their relatives live in abroad. The Nasaka got this
information through their village collaborators.
“The Rohingya community
becomes Nasaka’s earning source,” a local youth said preferring not to be
named.
Moreover, on March 1,
Mohamed Yunus (42), son of Raja Meah, hailed from Shwe Zaar south village was
arrested by the Nasaka of camp No. 14, under area No.6. He was arrested from
his shop while he was in the shop at around 9:00 pm. He was arrested over the allegation that he
has involved in organizing the villagers against the government. Nevertheless, on March 2, he was set free
after paying Kyat 100,000, said a close relative of the victim.
Besides, on February 20,
army arrested Chairman of Mosque council named Hakim Ali (45) of Nwaron Daung
(Konrawdail) village of Maungdaw Township over the allegation that he had
opened the Gate of mosque yard. Earlier, the Township Administration officer
ordered to the villages and Wards of Maungdaw Township to close all Mosques,
Madrasas and Moqtabs (religious schools for small boys). However, later, he was released after paying
Kyat 150,000.
According to a woman from
the locality said, “Why the concerned higher authorities do not take any action
against the Nasaka and army who makes arrest and torture to innocent Rohingya
villagers and extorts money?”
Source KPN: