Thatch fields torched in Maungdaw south

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Natala (New settlers) villagers - -living along the Maungdaw – Alay Thankyaw highway road- torched thatch fields from mountain near the Natala villages and Rohingya villages on February 12,, said a Rohinya - an owner of a thatch field - on condition of anonymity

“A group of Natala villagers -settled by the concerned authorities - went to mountain and torched the thatch fields which were belong to Rohingyas community.”
Mostly thatch fields from mountain are belonging to Gawdhu Sawra,Du Nyaung Pin Gyi ( Dong Khali),  Noapara, Sarcombo and Thayai Gonetan(Knonena para) of Maungdaw south, said a farmer on condition of anonymity
The farmer also said that Rohingya community is facing difficult to cut thatches from the mountain side as all the thatches field are burned down. Some thatches fields are in the mountains side, but the Natala didn’t allow the Rohingya to cut the thatches and disturbing the Rohingya who went to the mountain.
“Rohingya community use the thatches for roofing their homes to protect rain drop in the rainy season.”

Rohingya are illegal immigrants to Burma is false: Two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates

Chittagong, Bangladesh: The Rohingya are illegal immigrants to Burma which stated official of Burma on Rohingya – a Muslim community in Arakan State – is false, the two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates - Jose Ramos-Horta, the Former President of Timor Leste and the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Muhammad Yunus, the Founder and Former Managing Director of Grameen Bank and the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.and Dr. Muhammad Yunus - writing for the Huffington Post.

“There is evidence that the Rohingya have been in present day Myanmar since the 8th century. It is incontrovertible that Muslim communities have existed in Rakhina State since the 15th century, added to by descendants of Bengalis migrating to Arakan (Rakhine) during colonial times.”
The government instituted a new law -1982 Citizen Law- which excluding the Rohingya from the list of the 135 national races (U Ne Win recognized 144 races) recognized by the recent Burmese government, effectively stripping them of their nationality.
Since that time they have been banned from travelling even short distances or from getting married without a permit. When a marriage permit is granted, they must sign a commitment to have no more than two children. No more education for Rohingya youths and no jobs.
“We wish the Rohingya to know that they are not alone. We hope to help share their plight with the world, in the hope and faith and trust that when the world knows of their suffering it will no longer turn its back on their persecution,” wrote the two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.
“We humbly add our voices to the simple demand of the Rohingya people: that their rights as our fellow human beings be respected, that they be granted the right to live peacefully and without fear in the land of their parents, and without persecution for their ethnicity or their form of worship.”
“We close with an appeal to the Burmese government, must amend the infamous 1982 law, and welcome the Rohingya as full citizens of Burma with all attendant rights.” The statement come out after the Deputy Immigration and Population Minister Kyaw Kyaw Win said “there is no Rohingya ethnic race and denied the existence of the Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar,” at the House of Representatives in Naypyitaw on February 20, published in a report in the New Light of Myanmar.
“The government has denied the Rohingya as an ethnic identity for decades, branding nearly all Muslims in Arakan State as illegal immigrants as a matter of discriminatory state policy,” said Matthew Smith, a researcher with Human Rights Watch.
“When government ministers deny Rohingya exist, and it is repeated by the office of the President, this encourages more prejudice and violence against Rohingya and all Muslims,” said Mark Farmaner, director at Burma Campaign UK.
“The international community can’t keep turning a blind eye to the fact that with statements like this President Thein Sein’s government is encouraging violence against the Rohingya.”
A government must in the end be judged by how it protects the most vulnerable people in its midst, and its generosity towards the weakest and most powerless. Let not the good work of this government be clouded by the continuing persecution of the Rohingya people.

Two girls ganged raped in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Two Rohingya girls-sisters- were ganged raped by Nasaka (Burma’s border security force) on February 18, at Ludaing village Maungdaw, according to a village Admin from Maungdaw Town on condition of anonymity. 
“The two sisters were raped by a group of Nasaka personnel from Nasaka area No.5, in front of their mother yesterday, at about 10:00 pm in the house while their father was not present in the house.”
The victims were identified as Begum (18), not real name  and Shamima (14), not real name (14), daughters of Ali ( not real name), hailed from Ludaing village of Maungdaw north.
A group of Nasaka personnel from Loungdon out post under Nasaka area number 5, went to the victims’ house to arrest their father –not in the house at that time – on February 18 and taking advantage of his absent, the security personnel forcibly ganged rapped the two sisters in front their mother and tried to attempt to rape the victims’ mother, but failed for her resistance. . However, their mother was severely beaten up by the Nasaka personnel, said a close relative of the victims who denied to be named for the security reason.
While trying to contact the Nasaka official- Loungdon out post- about the rape, but the officer didn’t answer and comment.
The Nasaka personnel also entered other five houses in that village to arrest villagers but  villagers were  ran away from their houses  for fear of arrest by security forces, said  a youth from the village  who preferred not to be named for the security reason.
Rohingya women are not safe in Maungdaw from Burmese security forces. The honor, dignity and life of Rohingya women are threatened. The villagers have been living in panic position since February 10 for the accident of one Rakhine and four Rohingya minor kids killed by unknown miscreants in Nyaung Bin Gyi Ywa Thit (Rakhine village) and Khaza Bill (Sapaikone) village.

Rohingya women defend security forces’ attack in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Two Rohingya women had defended Burmese border security force (Nasaka) and Natala (new settlers) who entered their homes at night, while looting their ornaments on February 14, according to a villager elder from Ngakhura village.

“The Nasaka personnel from Ngakhura outpost under the Nasaka area number 5 with together Natala villagers went to Ngasaku (Naisapru) village at night, entered Rohingyas’ homes to loot valuables while male Rohingyas were out of village for fear of arrest.”
The Nasaka and Natala villagers entered some Rohingya homes where the two Rohingya women had defended while the security force tried to snatch the gold ornaments from their bodies till they become serious wounded. At last, the Nasaka and Natala villagers toke away their ornaments, said a relative of victims.
The Nasaka and Natala looted the houses of; - Alizuhar, Md. Rafique, Nur Hussain, Abdu Goffor, Montaz, Lalu, Abdul, Toyoub, Nurul Amin, Anwar, Abdul Hamid, Abul Kasim, Noor Hakim, Abdul Amin and Anu Meah.
Rohingya males are not staying in their villages for fear of arrest with so called arrest warrant which the security forces are not given the detail to the people. So, the security forces are easy to arrest any Rohingya and to extort money from them with this so called arrest warrant, said a school teacher from Maungdaw.

Nasaka kills 4 villagers in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Four Rohingya villagers who were arrested on February10 were killed in the local Nasaka camp for severe torturing in the camp on February 12 , said a relative of the victims.
“The victims were identified as--- Nazir Hussain (35), Ms Hansoma  Khatun (30), Amir Salim (30), and Nadu (50). They all belong to Ludine village of Loung Don village tract of Maungdaw Township.”
Females were also arrested in the absent of their husbands, sons and brothers in the house. Many Rohingya villagers (not known exact figure) were arrested by security forces-Nasaka and police- from Loung Don village tract of Maungdaw north regarding the killing of one Rakhine man and three others wounded  on February 10, by unknown criminals,  said a local elder on condition of anonymity.
But, the dead bodies were not handed over to their parents or relatives and were buried to unknown place by Nasaka. Hearing the news from a Nasaka aide, the relatives of the victims went to the local Nasaka camp of Nasaka area No.5, but the concerned authority did not show them the dead bodies and said they are present in the camp though they were brutally tortured to death, the elder more added.
Besides, on that day, the Nasaka personnel accompanied by Nasaka Director Col Aung Naing Oo (Rakhine) and a section of soldiers  also went to the Lamba Gona village (nearby Ludine village) under the Nasaka area No.5, at about 12:00 mid-night and arrested other five villagers.
The Nasaka Director stopped at Loung Don Nasaka camp while the Nasaka personnel arrested the villagers. The border security forces want Rohingya villagers in an unstable condition as directed by the local state government authority and Central government, otherwise, they don’t dare to commit any crimes against the Rohingya community as they have the Chain of command, a businessman from Maungdaw north.
The Nasaka and police are also trying to arrest more villagers from ---Khazir Bill, Ludine, Nai Tha Pru, Hati Para, and Pruma village. The authority threatened the villagers to be present in their homes; otherwise they will take stern action against the villagers. As a result, villagers are in panic-stricken position. Villagers are now living in the forest for fear of arrest and torture by the concerned authorities, a trader from the locality said.
Villagers those who were arrested by the  Nasaka and police regarding the incident of February 10  at Nyaung Pyin Gyi Rwa Thit  village of  Loung Don village tract under Maungdaw north are being harshly tortured in the camp. Subsequently, there will be more dead villagers in upcoming days, said a relative of the arrested villagers.
On February 10, at night, a group of unknown armed group with Nasaka uniforms went to the Nyaung Pyin Gyi Ywa Thit (Rakhine village) with   automatic rifles and killed on Rakhine (native of Sittwe) and wounded three other local Rakhines including U Ba Tin. He is a rich man of this village, said a local schoolteacher preferring not to be named.
Maybe, this was done by Nasaka personnel or ALP (Arakan Liberation Party) members to create problem between two communities or to give more pressure to the Rohingya community like the Kyauknimaw village accident last year, the teacher more added.
At this critical situation of Rohingyas, they do not dare to kill Rakhines, They have no arms and ammunition inside Arakan.  Some of the ALP members were arrested with arms inside Arakan by the security forces during the violence of last year. But, the authority let them free later. The ALP members entered Burma from Bangladesh. They have the guns, a local youth said.
Today, every Rohingya has his/her own tragedy concerning their relatives or friends in the unruly Arakan where killing and torturing of Rohingyas, torching of their properties and raping their women and girls. Burmese security forces and some Rakhine extremists have been committing grave crimes against Rohingya minority in every means, the youth continued.
Whenever the security forces enter a Rohingya village, innocent Rohingya villagers run away for their lives everywhere possible. They become preys of security forces.
Rohingyas in northern Maungdaw have been passing days and nights with acute difficulties. Rohingyas women are not safe from Burmese security force---Nasaka, army and police. The honor, dignity and life of Rohingya women are threatened. Frequently, the Nasaka or army accompanied by Natala villagers went to Rohingya villages and extorted money from the villagers after arrest and torturing, according to sources.

No life security of Rohingya people in Arakan

Commentary by Fayas
Repeatedly, ruthless stories on Rohingya people in Arakan under the racist Burma’s security forces are taking since long. There are many tragedies that remain untold. As human beings, regardless of the one’s religion, a human being deserves his/her honor and dignity of being human at the place where he/she is present.
Today, every Rohingya has his/her own tragedy concerning their relatives or friends in the unruly Arakan where killing and torturing of Rohingyas, torching of their properties and raping their women and girls. Burmese security forces and some Rakhine extremists have been committing grave crimes against Rohingya minority in every means.
Whenever the security forces enter a Rohingya village, innocent Rohingya villagers run away for their lives everywhere possible. At least one member from almost every family, especially in Maungdaw south is missing and whereabouts are not known. They become preys of security forces.
Rohingyas in southern Maungdaw have been passing days and nights with acute difficulties for months. Rohingyas women are not safe from Burmese security force---Nasaka, army, Sarapa, police and Hluntin. The honor, dignity and life of Rohingya women are threatened. Frequently, the Nasaka or army accompanied by Natala villagers went to Rohingya villages of Maungdaw south and extorted money from the villagers after arrest and torturing.
After the violence of June 2012, in a hostile incident at Lamba Guna village of Maungdaw south, a father was shot to death as he tried to save his daughter from being assaulted by police. Many villages, especially Bagonna and Nurullah of Maungdaw south, have the tales of such assaults to Rohingya women and girls. The Rohingya women are not safe from Thein Sein’s quasi-civilian government. They are the armies with civilian clothes and all the powers are controlled by them in the guise of democratic performance.
On February 12, four Rohingya villagers of Ludine village who were arrested on February10 by Nasaka personnel were killed in the local Nasaka camp because of severe torture.
The victims were identified as--- Nazir Hussain (35), Ms Hansoma  Khatun (30), Amir Salim (30), and Nadu (50). They all belong to Ludine village of Loung Don village tract of Maungdaw Township.
Females were also arrested in the absent of their husbands, sons and brothers in the house. Many Rohingya villagers (not known exact figure) were arrested by security forces from Loung Don village tract of Maungdaw north regarding the killing of one Rakhine man and three others wounded Rakhine men on February 10.
But, the dead bodies were not handed over to their parents or relatives and were buried to unknown place. Hearing the news from a Nasaka aide, the relatives of the victims went to the local Nasaka camp of Nasaka area No.5, but the concerned authority did not show them and said they are present in the camp though they were brutally tortured to death.
Besides, yesterday, the Nasaka personnel accompanied by Nasaka Director Col Aung Naing Oo (Rakhine) and army also went to the Lamba Gona village (nearby Ludine village) under the Nasaka area No.5, at about 12:00 mid-night and arrested other five villagers. The Nasaka Director stopped at Loung Don Nasaka camp while the Nasaka personnel arrested the villagers. The border security forces want Rohingya villagers in an unstable condition as directed by the local state government authority and central government, otherwise, they don’t dare to commit any crimes against the Rohingya community as they have the chain of command. 
The Nasaka and police are also trying to arrest more villagers from ---Khazir Bill, Ludine, Nai Tha Pru, Hati Para, and Pruma village. The authority threatened the villagers to be present in their homes; otherwise they will take stern action against the villagers. As a result, villagers are in panic-stricken position. Villagers are now living in the forest for fear of arrest and torture by the concerned authorities.
Villagers those who were arrested by the  Nasaka and police regarding the incident of February 10  at Nyaung Pyin Gyi Rwa Thit  village of  Loung Don village tract under Maungdaw north are being harshly tortured in the camp. Subsequently, there will be more dead villagers in upcoming days.
On February 10, at night, a group of unknown armed group with Nasaka uniforms went to the Nyaung Pyin Gyi Ywa Thit (Rakhine village) with   automatic rifles and killed on Rakhine (native of Sittwe) and wounded three other local Rakhines including U Ba Tin. He is a rich man of this village. Maybe, this was done by Nasaka personnel or ALP (Arakan Liberation Party) members to create problem between two communities or to give more pressure to the Rohingya community. At this moment (the critical situation for Rohingyas), Rohingyas do not dare to kill Rakhines, They have no arms and ammunition inside Arakan.  Some of the ALP members were arrested with arms inside Arakan by the security forces during the violence of last year. But, the authority let them free later. The ALP members entered Burma from Bangladesh.
Before the incident, a Nasaka Commander of Maungdaw Township asked the Rohingya villagers to be very cautious because of Rakhines’ illegal activities that may cause another event.
In 2004, in Gujarat State of India, 52 Hindu travelers by train were killed by unknown criminals, but it was accused to Muslim people of India. Regarding this, thousands of Muslim people were killed by the Hindu extremists supported by the Minister Modi’s Sate government. However, after 3 to 4 years later, it was proved by the court of India that Muslims were not involved in the killing of Hindu travelers. It was deliberately done by some Hindu extremists to uproot the Muslims from Gujarat. India is a democratic country, so truth was appeared later, but Burma is not a democratic country. 
In the event of Hati Para of Maungdaw north on February 10, four children (aged 3 to 11) were brutally slaughtered by unknown criminals and their mother was also abducted. The children were slaughtered by a knife in a paddy field, about half-mile away from their home. But, the knife was very sharp, said a villager after seeing the cutting marks of their necks. After slaughtering the children in the field, the dead bodies were sent to their home again as previous position. It is a very strange.  
But, yesterday, their mother of four children was recovered in a Banana garden while she was drinking water from a stream, but she was mentally disordered. This Banana garden is only one mile away from her house. On information, police went to the garden and arrested her and brought to Bawli Bazar police camp and forced her to show her knife, which she used to slaughter her children. But, she rejected that she had no knife.
Authorities are trying to get a full confession from her that she had slaughtered her four children. But, she denied. Villagers said that how she could slaughter her four children without any blood staining on her clothes. There was no spot of blood when she was found.  At present, she is at Maungdaw police station.
Yet, it is unfortunate to see the ruling party and opposition NLD’s Suu Kyi having a common view on the issue of Rohingyas.
A four points of President Thein Sein’s regarding the Rohingya issue --- prejudice, education, employments and family planning--- are neither the major factors that caused the violence against the Rohingyas and ensuring displacements nor the solutions to the conflicts. It is a kind of President’s two-faced remark on Rohingya issue.
Rohingya Leaders, politicians and all the concerned quarters have the right and responsibility to immediately respond to stop arbitrary arrests and torture of innocent villagers of Maungdaw north and south. Government tries to destroy all Rohingya villages in Maungdaw.  The most important and necessary options are to immediately taking action on IDPs to rehabilitate them to their own places with the security for life and property and together giving access to UNCHR and AID workers with full security.

Security forces make Rohingya villagers in panic at Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State:  Burma’s border security force (Nasaka) and police make Rohingya villagers in panic after the killed and injured Rakhines of Nyaung Bin Gyi Ywa Thit (Rakhine village) under the village tract of Ngakura of Nasaka area No.5 in Maungdaw south, said a Rohingya leader from Maungdaw Town on condition of anonymity.  
“The Nasaka of Ngakhura Nasaka camp and police of Bawli Bazar (Kyein Chaung) jointly attacked  the Rohingya villages and  arrested Rohingya villagers arbitrarily  from -- Hati Para, Zaydi Pyin,  Nai Tha Pru (Pan Mraung)  and loung Don villages--- of Loung Don village tract of Maugdaw south after one Rakhine killed and three injured in their village at night on February 10.”
On February 12, at about 9am to 11 am, the Nasaka personnel and police arrested five villagers from Hati Para and Pan Mraung villages. They are identified as---Jamal Hussain(53), son of Abdu Salam, Jaker(28), son of Rashid, Rahmat Ali( 32), son of  Hydor Ali, Fori Dullah( 20), son of Lalu Meah, they all belong to Hati Para ( village) and Hla Tin ( alias) Lalu ( 55),  son of Osi Rahman, hailed from Pan Mraung village, said a local businessman who denied to be named. 
Villagers fled to nearby mountain from the villages when they saw the Nasaka personnel and police were approaching to the Hati Para and Pan Mraung villages, otherwise, more villagers can be arrested, the businessman more added.
After the arrest, they were severely tortured and brought to the Nasaka camp where they were detained.  The Hati Para (village) is seven miles away from Yaung Bin Gyi Ywa Thit (Rakhine) village, a close relative of the victim said.
According to local people, another two dead bodies are floating in nearby a small river, but villagers could not identify them, so far.
Since February 10, the Nasaka had already arrested 80 to 107 villagers including females from Loung Don village, said a local elder preferring not to be named.
The situation of the Rohingya villages -- Loung Don village, Hati Para village, Zaydi Pyin village, and Pan Mraung village under the Nasaka area no.5 of Maungdaw Township-- are going to bad to worst at present . Some villagers had already crossed the Burma-Bangladesh border to avoid the arrest and torture of security forces, according to a local trader.
The really fact is that on February 10, at around 1: 00 am, a group of Nasaka went to the Nyaung Bin Gyi Rwa Thit ( Rakhine ) village of Loung Don village tract of Maungdaw north to arrest the Yaba or drug smugglers from the village. Before going there, two Nasaka with full uniform went to the village by two motorbikes to observe the situation.  After that, a group of Nasaka went to the U Ba Tin (53), son of Than Tun Aung house at around 1:00 am, and asked him to open the door.  But, he did not open the door. As a result, the Nasaka fired into the house and killed on Rakhine man who is from Akyab and wounded three other Rakhines including U Ba Tin, according to sources.
However, in the morning, the Nasaka and local Rakhine villagers accused to the Rohingya villagers of Loung Don village over the murder of Rakhine villagers and arrested many Rohingya villagers including women.
At present, the Nasaka accused other neighboring villagers that they had involved in the murder case. So the Rohingya villagers of neighboring villages are facing many difficulties such as arrest and torturing by Nasaka and police, said a youth from the locality.
A village elder said, “How will the Rohingya villagers live in their villages, if the security forces create false and fabricated problems between Rakhine and Rohingya communities.”

Nasaka detains a religious leader in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: A Rohingya religious leader was arrested and detained, by Nasaka personnel of Nasaka area No. 8 of Maungdaw Township on February 9, said a local villager.
“He was arrested by the Nasaka personnel over the allegation that he was involved in the violence of last year 2012, which was occurred between Rakhine and Rohingya communities.”
The arrested has been identified as Religious leader- Maulana - Noor Hasan (35), son of Noor Mohammed, hailed from Udaung village under the Maungdaw Township.
According to sources, Nasaka personnel have been trying to arrest him in his village in several times, but Nasaka was unable to arrest him.
However, recently, Nasaka was taking photographs and checking the family lists in the Udaung village, as per Nasaka scheduled, so the religious leader went to the Nasaka officer to negotiate of his matter. At last, religious leader has compromised his problem by giving Kyat 200,000 to the Nasaka officer not to arrest but, he was arrested and brought to the Nasaka camp.
As result, he has been detained and severely tortured by Nasaka personnel in the custody of Udaung Nasaka outpost, said a   close friend from the locality on condition of anonymity.

Four Rohingya minor children slaughtered, one Rakhine killed three wounded in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Four Rohingya minor children from one family of Rohingya community were slaughtered and one Rakhine was killed and three wounded by unknown miscreants in Maungdaw north yesterday night, said a village admin office member who denied to be named. 
“On that night, a group of unknown miscreants went to Deen Mohamed’s house of Khaza Bill (Sapaikone) village,under Nasaka area No.5 of Maungdaw north while he was not present in the house. He has been working with GE military at Burma- Bangladesh border. After entering the house, the miscreants slaughtered all four minor children – Nuruzawma, Rozena Begum,Yasmin Ara and Mozena, aged 10, 8, 6 and 4 (three females and one male) in the house. The miscreants also abducted the mother –Roza- of the children and she is yet to be found.”
The house is out of the main village, at around one Furlong away from the main village Khaza bill, so the villagers did not hear any screaming from the house last night, the relatives more added.
Being informed, in the early morning, a group of Nasaka personnel from Nasaka area No.5 went to the spot, and arrested villagers arbitrarily from the road, and from fishing project while on the way to village, said another villager on condition of anonymity.  
After seeing the dead bodies, the Nasaka did not say anything to the villagers. However, at 3: 00 pm, the police sent the dead bodies to Maungdaw general hospital for autopsy, the villager added.
Besides, last night, at around 1:00 pm, Rohingya villagers heard firing sound from Nga Khura (Rakhine -Myothet) village. So, from nearby Rohingya villagers tried to go to the spot, to see the matter, but Nasaka stopped them from going, said a local business man from the locality.
But, in the morning, the Rohingya villagers came to know that one Rakhine villager was dead and another three Rakhine villagers including U Ba Chit, were wounded, among them two are serious, the businessman added.
At present, in the evening, the Nasaka (Burma border security force) are surrounding the Loung Don village (Rohingya village) to arrest villagers as the Nasaka and local Rakhine villagers believed that the unknown miscreants are neighboring villagers. At around 6:00 pm, 107 villagers (including 26 women and 32 children) were arrested and were brought to the Nasaka camp, according to a local elder.
“A rumor is spread out that there was a quarrel between local Rakhines and   outsider Rakhines, who were hired from Akyab (Sittwe) during the June 2012 violence. The local hired Rakhine goons at the rate of Kyat 10,000 per month. But, the local Rakhines paid only Kyat 3,000 per month. For this reason, there was a quarrel between them. The dead body was identified as a Karate man (black belt) from Sittwe (Akyab), said a Nasaka aide from the area.
Another rumor come out again,” the conflict was occurred between two groups of drug traffickers – U Ba Chit group of Longdu and Akyab drug trafficking group- for 59 million kyat and around 100,000 Yaba tablets. If the concerned authority investigates U Ba Chit, the conflict will be come out real event.
But, Rohingya villagers believe that, “It is a creative event” by the concerned authority to harass neighboring Rohingya villagers with a bad intention, especially Loung Don villagers,” said a local trader who denied to be named.
“How do the Rohingya villagers are dare to kill Rakhine villagers within the Act of 144? Rohingya villagers have no swords, no guns. How did they commit to shot dead one Rakhine and wounded three?  It is totally impossible. At the time of event, the Nasaka was alert and stopped the Villagers to go the spot,” said a Rohingya leader.
But, no one is arrested regarding the event of four minor children, said a youth.
Rohingya villagers fear that in future the authorities’ concerned, local Rakhine villagers accompanied by Natala villagers will create problems to harass the Rohingya villagers. They don’t want peace between to community, said a religious lead

Authority again extends another two months in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State: The concerned authority – Township administration office - again extended the emergency Act 144 to another two months in Maungdaw today, according to official announcement.

The Maungdaw district was imposed emergency Act 144 since June 8, 2012 bigoted violence between Rakhine and Rohingya communities in Maungdaw Town and it was extended once after three months and now again extended again for two months, said a politician from Maungdaw.
“In Maungdaw, the authority are using emergency Act 144 to harass and oppress Rohingya community from their social activists – movement, praying in mosque, working for survival, marriage and gathering for funeral – and to extort money from Rohingya with so called warrant list which was not declared to public but when the security personnel need to use.”
The worse thing is not allowed to gather for funeral pray, but if you had paid money, you are allowed to pray and gather, said an elder from Maungdaw.
“The emergency Act prevented to perform funeral pray which is the last time of a human being and if you will pay money, it will be allowed.”
“Why the emergency Act used in Maungdaw to harass Rohingya community, there is no need this Act as the authority are always oppressing Rohingya within this Act.”

Officials and religious leaders hold a meeting in Maungdaw south

Maungdaw, Arakan State: A meeting was held between Rohingya - religious leaders (Maulana), elders - and Maungdaw concerned authorities- Deputy Commander of Army, Burmese border security force (Nasaka), District administration office, Immigration official- at State High School, Aley Than Kyaw, Maungdaw south on February 5, said a participant in the meeting on condition of anonymity.
“The Rohingya religious leaders were summoned by Nasaka Director and discussed different issues of Rohingya regarding the present situation of Maungdaw Township.”
More than 30 religious leaders (Maulana) participated in the meeting while the Maungdaw District Administration officer, U Aung Myint Soe,  the  Nasaka  Director Col Aung Naing Oo, Immigration officer of Maungdaw Township, Commanders of  Nasaka  area No. 7 and  8 and other concerned officers  also participated in the meeting, according to a village admin office member.
Everybody must follow the law of Burma as per your religious –Islam. If anyone doesn’t follow the law, will be punished according to the law, according to Nasaka Director’s speech in the meeting.
“Rohingya is not listed among the 135 ethnic races, Buddhist are majority in Arakan not Rohingya, you came to Burma from Bangladesh and we need to check all of you for citizen rights," said U Aung Myint Soe, the Maungdaw district administration officer.
“Only four Muslims can offer daily prayer (Namaz) in the mosques, but not more than four persons,” Aung Myint Soe more added.
“Rohingya villagers were also asked to open the mosques after submitting documents regarding the mosques.”
"We have been living in Arakan State since long, we are citizen of Burma. We have the rights to elect and to be elected. Why do the Police, Nasaka and other security forces arbitrary arrest us and extort money? Besides, we are not allowed to go from one place to another; now, we have no jobs, no works and no money to support our family members,” Maulana Abdul Latif, hailed from Shira para, asked to the concerned official at the meeting.
The concerned authorities have been arrested the Bengali Muslims who were involved in the sectarian violence, the district administration officer replied the question.
Some other Rohingya participants tried to ask more questions, but they did not get opportunity. 
However, the meeting was started at about 10:00 am and ended at 12:00, according to a religious leader

11- Rohingya villagers sentenced to jail in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State:  11-villager was sentenced to 10 years jail per each by Maungdaw court yesterday those who were arrested by the security force after the June 8, 2012 bigoted violence between Rakhine and Rohingya communities in Maungdaw Town, said an elder from Maungdaw Town on condition of anonymity. 
Burmese border security force (Nasaka) with together Rakhines surrounded and tried to touch the Zeydi Pyin and Hati Para of Loung Don village tract of Maundaw north on June 8, 2012 evening. But, an officer of Nasaka area number 5, suddenly fired to the villages which caused one villager died, 4 wounded and 14 arrested by Nasaka, said a villager who was watchdog the incident at that time.
The arrested villagers were identified as---Jaker Hussain (25), son of Abdul Hakim, Eliyas (30), son of Habi Ullah, and Sayed Amin (44), son of Bosho, hailed from Hati Para (village), Enam (35), son of Hairul Boshor, Keramat Ali (25), son of Moktol Hussain, Monshi Alam (25), son of Abul Khasim,  Abdu Karim ( 25), and his younger brother Taher(18), son of Nabi Hussain, Jor Moluk(45), Hairul Boshor ( 27), son of Shokot Ali, and Salim (35), son of Boshor,hailed from Zedi  Pyin village, according to  a local trader from the village.
“Three villagers were released after paying money - Ali Zuhar (18), son of Ali Ahmed, hailed from Meazan Para, Wadul Haque (35), son of Gura Meah of Gret Chaung village were released yesterday and another villager was freed earlier by paying huge money.”
“The authority is deliberately destroying our young generation,” said a village leader preferring not to be named.
The Loung Don village tract has six villages---Zeydi Pyin, Hati Para, Gret Chaung, Meazan Para, Kjun Gong and Poti Daung.
The security forces-police and Nasaka with Rakhine mobs attacked the Loung Don village tract in the evening of June 8,2012 over the allegation that the villagers of said villages involved in the violence of Maungdaw town, the trader more added.
The arrested villagers are innocent. They were severely tortured in the police custody while they were in detention center at Maungdaw.
However, yesterday, the arrestees were appeared in the Maungdaw Township court and the Judge of speedy Trial Tribunal No.2 delivered the verdict that they were sentenced to ten years jail per each, in presence of the accused without any proper inquiry and asking any questions from them.  The verdict was totally prejudiced. as the accused were not  allowed to borrow Lawyer to defend their cases .and even their relatives were not allowed to visit them while in police custody, said a relative of the victims.
Today, in the morning, parents and relatives of the victims went to Maungdaw town to see their sons, brothers and others. It is not clear whether they will be allowed to see their relatives in police custody, said a youth from the locality.

Natala villagers check ponds in Maungdaw south

Maungdaw, Arakan State: A group of Natala villagers have been checking drinking water ponds in Rohingya villages in Maungdaw south, northern Arakan, recently, said a businessman from Aley Than Kyaw.

"In the group – seven persons with long swords, axe and etc.”
The group have been going to every Rohingya villages to see the ponds and take some samples of mud from inside the ponds – the villagers use for drinking water- while villagers went to the spot to see what they were doing, the group stopped their work quickly, a village elder said from Maungdaw south.
“The Natala groups are going on at Udaung village, Khonza Bill village and other villages of Maungdaw south. The Rohingya villagers also informed to the concern security force – Nasaka - about the situation, but the Nasaka didn’t do anything against them.”
“Villagers believe that they (Natala) can provide poison in the ponds,” said a local schoolteacher.
Last year, some unknown Rakhines community put poison into the ponds in Buthidaung Township. So, villagers are fear of using water from ponds right now because it will affect the people, said an elder.
Natala villagers are very notorious in characters that were brought to Arakan north to settle them in Arakan by the government to harass the local Rohingya people and to increase the Buddhist community in the area. Most of them are murderers, heroine addicted people and who were sentenced to long term jail.
It is not concern to the Natala villagers to check the ponds of Rohingya villagers. There have concerned authorities to do that, if it is required. It is necessary to inform to the local authorities. Why are they doing like that? Villagers believe that it is nothing but to create another problem between Rohingya and Rakhine villagers, said a Rohingya leader from the locality.
“Why does the local Nasaka authority (Burma’s border security force) let them to do that?,” said a Rohingya youth from Maungdaw south.

Officials urge talks with Myanmar, UN on Rohingya

 

 

The Nation

February 6, 2013

House Standing Committee on State Security chairman Weng Tojirakan Wednesday discussed the Rohingya migrant issue and recommended talks with Myanmar to repatriate them or contact the United Nations to find a third country to take them in.

National Human Rights Commission's head of violation inspection division, Kesarin Tiangsakul, said it found manywomen and children among the Rohingya migrants who aimed to work in Malaysia and Indonesia, using Thailand as a transit point.

After they were arrested - and Thai law could detain them for six months - the government had to find a solution to the problem because these people couldn't be repatriated elsewhere. It also had to provide them with care on a humanitarian basis, Kesarin said.

UN Special Rapporteur visit to assess human rights situation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENEVA – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, will undertake an official visit to the country from 11 to 16 February 2013, which will include gathering information on the current situation in Kachin State and Rakhine State. The rights expert visits the country at the invitation of the Government.

“As Myanmar continues to undergo wide-ranging reforms, it is important to assess the current human rights situation and to reflect on positive developments and remaining challenges,” Mr. Quintana said, preparing for his seventh mission to Myanmar, for which he has requested the authorities to visit Kachin and Rakhine States.

“A particular concern is the escalation of the conflict in Kachin State, and I hope my visit will give me a clearer picture of the situation there and the impact it has had on civilians,” he noted. “I will be lending my voice to calls for a ceasefire and progress in addressing minority issues.”

Regarding Rakhine State, the Special Rapporteur stressed that the current situation continues to be a major concern, following violence between Rakhine Buddhist and Muslim Rohingya communities there last June and October. “I would like to see the conditions in the camps for the internally displaced, which I was particularly concerned about following my previous visit last August,” Mr. Quintana said.

“I will also seek an update on what steps have been taken to address the underlying causes of the violence and displacement there, including the systematic discrimination against the Rohingya community, before I report* to the Human Rights Council,” he noted.

During his visit, the independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Myanmar will meet with Government officials, members of Parliament and the judiciary, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society in Naypyitaw and Yangon.

“I look forward to constructive discussion, at both senior and grassroots levels, with the aim of encouraging continuing progress in human rights protection, democratic transition and national reconciliation, while also advising on remaining gaps,” the Special Rapporteur underscored.

On 16 February, at the end of his mission, Mr. Quintana will present preliminary observations at a press conference at Yangon International Airport at 18:15 (local time). His full report on the visit will be presented to the 22nd session of the Human Rights Council on 11 March 2013.

(*) Check the latest progress report on Myanmar by the Special Rapporteur: http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N12/520/48/PDF/N1252048.pdf?O...

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Authorities concerned –Burma border security force (Nasaka), police, army and Sarapa (Military Intelligence) -increase harassment against the Rohingya people in Maungdaw after the bigoted violence in June 2012, an elder from Maungdaw Town said on condition of anonymity.

Nasaka personnel of Lake Ya Nasaka outpost camp arrested Maulana Hashim (50), Sayed Alam and two other villagers of Lake Ya (Kumir Khali) village, under the Nasaka area No. 4 of Maungdaw Township over false allegation of human trafficking on February 3 and instigated the local villagers not to take photographs which was taking by Nasaka personnel recently, said a close friend of Maulana Hashim preferring not to be named.

“It is just a plan to extort the money from them. The Nasaka demanded kyat 20 million to release.”

“However, they were released today after taking grantee to pay demanded money to the Nasaka officer. How will they pay a huge amount of money?”

“When the indiscriminate arrest and extortion money will be stopped?” asked a local elder from Maungdaw south.

In addition, today morning, a group of Nasaka personnel from Nasaka area No.6 went to the villages of under its area and locked all the mosques, Maqtabs (Arabic school for young children), Hafez Khana (Quran memorial school) and Madrasa (Arabic school) by Nasaka. The Township administration officer earlier ordered to the villagers to close all the mosques and other religious schools, but villagers did not comply with the order, said a local religious leader.

Besides, toady, at around 3:00 pm, three Sarapa from Maungdaw exit and entry point, arrested Nozumul Hassan(25), son of Abu Taher, a shopkeeper, hailed from Shwe Zaar village of Maungdaw, was arrested from the market while selling goods. It is still unknown to the villagers why he was arrested by the security personnel. But, some shopkeepers believe that he will be punished with false and fabricated case which will easy to extract money from him, according to a shopkeeper of Maungdaw Town.

Moreover, army security personnel increased checkpoints to check Rohingya travelers in Maungdaw Township --- from Shikdar Para (Myoma Kanyoungdan) to Maungdaw and the Maungdaw-Aley Than Kyaw road. The army increase harassment and looting goods from the Rohingya travelers. If a Rohinga traveler from Aley Than Kyaw went to Maungdaw to sell goods,will lost 2/3 of his goods on the way.

So far, the concerned authorities are planning how to harass and drive out the Rohingya community from northern Arakan. But the higher authority declared to the world that they are trying to settle the problems between two communities ---Rakhine and Rohingya, said a business man from Buthidaung.

At the first Union Parliament second regular session on 22 August 2011, President Thein Sein said, “We know what happen to people and what people want. And we are striving our best to fulfill their needs to the full extent. To conclude my speech, I promise that our government as a democratically-elected government will do our best for the interests of the people.”

“Is the government truly democratically elected and will do for the interests of the people?,” asked a local elder from Maungdaw.

Sri Lanka rescues 138 stranded on sinking boat

Sailors help a rescued boy to disembark from a Sri Lanka Navy vessel at Oluvil harbour today. Sri Lanka's navy on Sunday rescued 138 Bangladeshis and Myanmar nationals from a sinking fishing vessel off the island's east coast, officials said.

France 24 English

03 February 2013

AFP - Sri Lanka's navy on Sunday rescued 138 Bangladeshis and Myanmar nationals from a sinking fishing vessel off the island's east coast, officials said.

One passenger was found dead while many of the 138 plucked from the boat were dehydrated, said navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya, adding that the vessel had been adrift for 10 days before it sank on Sunday.

"We sent three ships for the rescue at a location 50 miles (80 kilometres) off the eastern coast of Akkaraipattu," Warnakulasuriya told AFP. "Some have been admitted to a local hospital."

Police said 14 were Myanmar nationals while the others were Bangladeshis.

Fifteen of the survivors, including two women and two children, were hospitalised with acute dehydration, police said in a statement.

"We have difficulty in communicating with the survivors so we have asked the two embassies to send us translators," police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody told AFP.

He said statements of survivors would be recorded and they would be moved to a temporary shelter in Colombo under judicial supervision. In the meantime, the authorities at Oluvil fishing harbour were giving them shelter.

"We are certain that they were not trying to enter Sri Lanka, but their boat developed trouble in mid-sea and they drifted close to our shores," Jayakody said.

The early-morning rescue came amid stepped up naval patrols to deter Sri Lankan fishing boats from taking would-be illegal immigrants to Australia.

Authorities arrested more than 1,200 people trying to leave the island illegally last year. Many of those who make the perilous journey pay up to $3,000 for a place on trawlers run by people-smugglers.

Warnakulasuriya said the passengers rescued on Sunday identified themselves as Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals but it was not yet known where they came from or were headed.

Reports from local fishermen alerted fishing authorities who in turn asked for help from the navy which mounted a 20-hour search and rescue operation, officials said.

They said it was unclear if those identified as Myanmar nationals were Rohingya -- members of a stateless Muslim minority described by the UN as one of the world's most persecuted groups -- who had fled Myanmar.

An explosion of tensions between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine since June 2012 has triggered an seaborne exodus of Rohingya.

Thailand's navy blocked more than 200 Rohingya boat people from entering the kingdom late last month as part of a new policy, under which they will be given food and water but barred from landing if their boat is seaworthy.

Sailors assist rescued survivors on a Sri Lanka Navy vessel at Oluvil harbour today. One passenger was found dead while many of the 138 plucked from the boat were dehydrated, said navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya, adding that the vessel had been adrift for 10 days before it sank on Sunday.

Sailors help rescued survivors at Oluvil fisheries harbour in eastern Sri Lanka today. Fifteen of the survivors, including two women and two children, were hospitalised with acute dehydration, police said in a statement.

Resettles over 130-Buddhist from Bangladesh

Maungdaw, Arakan State: The Burmese government – Maungdaw district administration office and Township administration office - has resettled over 130 Buddhist from neighboring Bangladesh, are being resettled in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State recently, according to a local villager who denied to be named.

“Local authorities had welcomed 133-member of 44- family of Buddhist people - Rakhine, Maramagyi (Baroa) - hailed from Bandarban district of Bangladesh.  They are from Mosoni Para and Aye Maung Para of Bandarban, Bangladesh.”
The new comers were organized by some Rakhines from Arakan State to go to Arakan State luring them will  get many facilities in Arakan from government and local Rakhine community. The new comers are poor people, said another local villager. 
On 2nd January, 25-family and on 29th January 19-family crossed the Bangladesh- Burma border through Lemosari point (land border), said the villager quoting the new comers.
Of them 12 families were resettled at Zeadi Pyin village of Lone Done Village tract of Maungdaw north and the rest were also resettled in other Natala or Model villages, said a trader from Lone Don Village. 
State government provides them homes and two acres of farmland to each household which were confiscated earlier from Rohingya villagers for Natala villagers. They would be provided cows and rickshaws in future, the trader more added.
Newcomers were first being sheltered at a Buddhist monastery in Maungdaw town, where they received assistance from government before being transferred to the Natala villages of Maungdaw north.
On January 28, many Sayadaw (Buddhist monks) of Maungdaw Town went to Lone Done village tract to encourage them. In future, more Bangladeshi Rakhine, Baroa and Thet will go to Arakan from Bangladesh, said a Rohingya leader Maungdaw Town.
Local Rohingya villagers fear that there will be more harassment by the security forces regarding the new settlers. The authority will also seize many lands from Rohingya villagers to provide them.

Police arrest two villagers in Maungdaw

Maungdaw, Arakan State:  Two Rohingya villagers were arrested and extorted by police recently over the allegation that they were involved in the violence occurred in June last year between Rohingya and Rakhine communities, said a close friend  of the victims on condition of anonymity.  
“The arrested were identified as Basa Meah (35), son of Fazal Rahman and Kala Meah( 26), son of Noor Mohamed. Both of them belong to Kilaidaung village of Maungdaw east.”
The first one was arrested by police on January 30, and the second man was on January 31 by police of Maungdaw police station, the friend added.
However, on January 30, in the evening, Basa Meah was released after taking Kyat 400,000 and two big cocks that cost at Kyat 15,000, said a relative of Basa Meah.
In similar way, Kala Meah was also released today in the morning, after taking Kyat 600,000.  Earlier, two months ago, his father was also arrested by police in the same allegation and was released after paying Kyat 700,000, said a relative of Kala Meah.
“If anyone is involved in any crimes, he will be arrested and inquired before giving punishment. Without any justification or inquiry, taking money and release means, a kind of discrimination and pushing them into poverty,” said a business man from the locality.
Though the violence between Rakhine and Rohingya was happened on June 8 last year, many Rohingya villagers—including youths even boys over 10-year, knowledgeable villagers, rich man were arrested while many villagers were killed by security forces accompanied by some racist Rakhine mobs and some were sent to jail where they have been tortured inhumanly. But, the concerned authorities are arresting Rohingya villagers regarding the riot, so far, said a political leader from Maungdaw Town. 
Not a single person of Rakhine community was arrested regarding the violence. So, this makes them encourage doing more attacks against the Rohingya community.  The government declared that security forces are being deployed in northern Arakan to control the violence between two communities.  The situation is eased overtly across the northern Arakan , but, covertly, the harassment against the Rohingya community is still going on, the leader more added.
Though the violence has been passed nearly eight months, the harassments of the security forces such as ---police, Nasaka (Burma’s border security force), army and Sarapa (Military Intelligence) --- have not been stopped against the Rohingya community, a trader from Maungdaw south said.
“After capricious arrest and torture, extorting money from villagers is a very solemn for the Rohingya community as they have no money and jobs while they have been kept in their villages,” said a villager elder who did not mention his name for security reason.