Monday, March 30, 2009

Burma: Persecution and Extortion - Rohingya arrested for possessing a mobile phone charger

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

A Rohingya elder was arrested by Burma’s border security force (Nasaka) for possessing a mobile charger in Maungdaw Township, a close relative of the victim said.

The victim has been identified as Maulvi Abu Ayub Ansari (45), son of Nazir Ahmed. He hailed from Yetwin Pyin (Kowar Bill) of Maungdaw Township.

The Maulvi was arrested for getting a charger of a mobile phone from his house on that day by the Nasaka of Yetwin Pyin outpost camp of Maungdaw Township. He was detained in the Nasaka camp for 12 hours for extortion of money.

The Nasaka demanded Kyat 500,000 for his release, but he was unable to pay the money. So, he signed an agreement with the Nasaka, that he would pay the money within one month.

Regarding this, the Maulvi pawned his shrimp project to a villager to pay kyat 500,000 within one month to the Nasaka. He then paid the money to the concerned Nasaka officer. After getting this guarantee, the Nasaka released him the following day.

This goes on to show how the concerned authorities extract money from the Rohingya community, if this kind of exploitation continues, the Rohingya community will dwindle further, said a village elder, who declined to be named.
Published by Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting
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