UN Special Rapporteur's trip to Maungdaw
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana arrived Maung Daw around 1 pm 31st July 2012.
"As expected, authority took him to few affected areas of Rakhines and to some of the burned villages of Rohingyas and portrayed them to him as if those of Rakhines. He was hardly given any chance to freely meet with Rohingyas or visit Rohingyas' villages.
Later, he met some of Rohingya elders from Maung Daw at the district office in Myoma Kayindan. Sadly, Rohingya elders were unable to explain the real situation of Arakan because authority threatened them in advance that they would be arrested or even be killed if they failed to follow government instruction. On seeing the situation, Mr. Quintana replied "I understand your situation."
Mr. Quintana looked around the town of Maung Daw and observed the situation. There, around 60 Rakhines held protest against his visit. They held the postcards with "We don't want UN. Respect the president's decision. Respect the sovereignty. Treat fairly and respect the rights of the citizens." written on them" reported from Maung Daw on the condition of
anonymity. According to martial law declared in Arakan which is still in affect, no one is allowed to held any protest or demonstration. I wonder how the Rakhines could do so unless the government was behind this!!!
"As a rare chance, Mr. Quintan managed to meet three Rohingyas in Alay Than Kyaw. It is not known what they discussed. But soon after his departure, SaRaPha (state security affairs) started the search of the Rohingya who spoke to him (Mr. Quintana) in English. Therefore, the Rohingya has been on the run away from SaRaPha since then. Besides, he is expected to visit Sittwe on 1st August 2012.
Whereas one Rohingya from Shweza Village and three Rohingyas from Bagonna village were arrested on 30th July and 28th July respectively. Moreover, a high ranking Police officer called Than Tun is extorting money from almost all of Rohingyas from MyoThuGyi village threatening that he will arrest and kill them if they fail to give him money." Rahim from Maung Daw reported.
Compiled by M.S. Anwar
Whereas one Rohingya from Shweza Village and three Rohingyas from Bagonna village were arrested on 30th July and 28th July respectively. Moreover, a high ranking Police officer called Than Tun is extorting money from almost all of Rohingyas from MyoThuGyi village threatening that he will arrest and kill them if they fail to give him money." Rahim from Maung Daw reported.
Compiled by M.S. Anwar
