A Muslim House and Five Boats Burnt Down by 969 Network in Thandwe

RB News 

August 14, 2013 

Thandwe, Arakan – A Kaman Muslim house and 5 boats were set fire by members of the 969 network in Myo Taung quarter. This is in the Thandwe Township of Arakan State. It happened last night at 11 pm according to locals there. 

A house and two fishing boats belonging to U Mya Win who lives in Anawyahta Street, were burnt. The value of the two boats is at about 16 million kyat. The 969 group also set fire to two fishing boats and two fishnets owned by U Sanay Aung. He lives at the corner of Anawyahta Street and Marga Street. The value of his boats is about 12 million kyat. The fifth fishing boat that was burnt belonged to U Kyaw Tin. He lives in downtown Thandwe. The value of his boat is unknown. 

The Muslim residents of Thandwe informed the police at the outpost when the house and the five boats were set fire by 969 group. The police did not come to Myo Taung quarter. According to Muslim residents in Thandwe, they left from Kin Maw quarter The 969 group is upset with the arrests made by the government in Ann Daw Kwat Thit in June. The arrests were made following an arson attack that saw 5 Kaman Muslim houses burnt. More information regarding that instance can be found here. http://bit.ly/13j7Rwg 

Unlike the Rohingya, Kaman Muslims are an "official" ethnic minority and citizens within Myanmar. One of 135 recognized ethnic groups in the country. The news spread out in Thandwe that the 969 group will protest against the government on coming August 16th and 17th. The Muslims in Thandwe are worrying about the problems that will be, in these mentioned places if the 969 group holds the protest in the coming days. 

A Pu Chay (Mann Aung Kyun) contributed in reporting.