By NDPHR(exile),
136 Muslim Arakaneses were arrested in Kyauk Tan bridge area of Akyab, Arakan state, on 15 Sept 2008.
They were arrested at about 7:30 am
of while they got in the cars which run to Rangoon. Authority suspected
them as traveling to Rangoon therefore they were arrested and lifted by
military lorries. Males were detained at no(1) police station lock-up of
Akyab and females were detained in Central Jail of Akyab.
The source from Akyab said, “they all
were sentenced to 6 months jail without court order, for their traveling
from state to state. Since the military imposed restriction on the
movement of Muslim Arakanese, their traveling is act like illegal”.
Source also confirmed that some in the previous have been already passed
more than 7 years in detention with no trail. However, there is no
such punishment for traveling in the legislation of country’s Laws..
He also added, “6 of 136 persons who are
believed to be agent or monitor, were lifted to Rangoon for the
fulfillment of further punishment upon any-means of their relatives
presently living in Rangoon”.
A confidential source from Rangoon said, “
we are worrying for reminiscence by authority. We have been settled in
Rangoon for some decades. This is one of the unacceptable exemplary
punishment on us. We were born and grown up in this country but no right
to live like others”.
“The arrestee 136 persons are likely to
be lucky compare to previous arrestees in Thaungup township who were
killed by local Buddhist Rakhaings demonstrating anti-Muslims pogrom in
Arakan region”. He further added.
“It is very hard time for us in Burma. We
are not getting enough source to sustain and no right to move from one
place to another. We need international intervention to free our
lives”. Said a spokesman from Islamic Affairs Council who declined to
mention his named.
“Muslims are not our citizens. It is
Buddhist country. If Muslims need to stay in our country, they would
practice our customs. They would join in various Buddhist festival as
well”. Stressed a member of military from Tetma(1).
