Bridge security personnel collect toll from vehicles and travelers

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Bridge security personnel have been collecting toll from vehicles and travelers since it started for public service last six months, said a village administrator office member from Mingalagyi village.

The road – Maungdaw – Mingahlagyi villages – had finished recently with villagers work forced, the member said.

“The road has three bridges – Shwezar – Kayoungchaung – Hlapoekaung villages to connect each side to run the road smoothly and each bridge has security personnel for safeguard of bridge.”

But, the security are collecting toll from Rohingya community who pass the bridge by forcefully,said a teacher from Shwezar village.

“The bridge security personnel are only to watch and guard the bridge only not to collect the toll.”

The bridge security personnel are collecting kyat 2000 per a vehicle and they also checked the travelers ( Rohingya) identity card  and forced the traveler to pay 100 kyat to them, said a driver who ply on this road.

“The security personnel forced the Rohingya (travelers)  to pay money event they have all the documents to travel. The officers are using what they (officer) want to do to the local people. There is no law for  them.”

“Sometimes, the security personnel robbed the travelers when they travel on the night (dark) and took all the belonging.”

Recently, at Shwezar bridge, Rashid and other two ( security personnel) are robbing travelers who go to their home from Maungdaw market at night, said a businessman from Maungdaw.

“The villager complained to the village administrator officer and concern authority ( local Nasaka)  about  harassment of security officers of bridge, but action was taken till now.”