Burma: ID cards for referendum issued - as long as holders vote 'yes'

Source: Kaladan Press Network Please visit and show your support and appreciation

The Burmese military junta has been issuing temporary identity (ID) cards to Rohingya and Rakhine communities above 18 years of age after extracting an assurance that they would cast the 'Yes' vote in the forthcoming referendum.

The authorities are giving white colour ID cards to the Rohingya community and red colour cards to the Rakhine community. The white colour ID cards are for "Temporary Safe Conduct", while the red colour ID card is using for the citizen which was listed by SPDC and another pink colour ID card was also issue in the same time in Burma, but in northern Arakan, no one get this kinds of cards. The pink color ID card meant more permanent in nature, said a school teacher from Maungdaw.

The white colour ID card has no "water marks" on it, as was found in previous ID cards. With this card, one does not have permission to go from one village to another. The concerned authority will not give permission to marry to these new ID card holders. They ID cards are meant only to enable people to vote and it is valid for only six months, he more added.

If any Rohingya wants permission to marry with the new ID card, he or she has to go to the immigration office for a recommendation letter, said Kala Meah from Maungdaw , who went to apply for marriage permission.

Recently, the Township Vote Referendum Commission asked the Village Vote Referendum Commission to ensure casting of 90 percent 'Yes' votes in the referendum. A rumor has spread that a serial number is printed in the ballot papers. So, people believe that the authorities will identify the person who casts a 'No' vote. As a result, people are in a dilemma whether to cast a' Yes' vote or a 'No' vote, said a VPDC Chair man who don’t want to mention his name.

Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting Publisher of
i On Global Trends and Sydney Irresistible