Three religious students jailed in southern Arakan

Mrauk-U, Arakan State: Three religious students were jailed on November 4, 2011 for traveling to their home town from Kyauktaw where they studying at a religious school (Madrasa), according to Muslim Liberation Organization of Burma (MLOB) statement.

“Md. Haleb (32), son of Ibrahim and Alam Gir (18), son of Md. Nasir, both hailed from the Kongbaung village of Mrauk Oo while Noor Shofi (18), son of Abdu Salam, hailed from Setkya village of Minbya Township.”

“The three students went to Kyauktaw town in 2010 for religious study. However, being closed their Madrasa, they were returning to their homes by steamer during June 2011. But, they were arrested by the immigration officer of Mrauk-U with allegation of so-called illegal traveling. Later, they have been sent to the police station of Mrauk-U.”

“The three students were produced on court, and had been sentenced to two and half years’ imprisonment per each by the court on November 4”, a relative of one of the victims said from Sittwe (Akyab), who denied to be named.  

“One of them was sent to Sittwe (Akyab) jail and the two other were sent to Rangoon jail after imprisonment,” according to the MLBO statement.

It is very much concerned for the Muslim community in Arakan for the continuous persecution in Arakan State against the Muslims, even under the President Thein Sein’s civilian new government, according to U Kyaw hla,  the MLOB chairman. 

U Kyaw Hla, chairman, the MLOB, earnestly appeals to the international community - Asean, UN, Democratic countries and OIC - to help prevent continuous persecution of the minority Muslims in Arakan State, Burma.