Commandant Demands 10 Million Kyat for the Release of Disbanded Nasaka’s Former Translator

RB News 

August 6, 2013 

Maungdaw, Arakan – Former Translator of the now disbanded Nasaka, was arrested by Lieutenant Colonel Zaw Lin Oo. Translator Abdullah, from Myint Hlut (Merullah) village, in the Maungdaw Township of Arakan State, was arrested by the Commandant of No. 353 Battalion. According to villagers, the Commandant is demanding 10 million kyat for his release. 

Abdullah, son of Fawzol Ahmed worked as a translator for the office of Nasaka area 8, based in Myint Hlut village over the past 15 years. The Commandant of No. 353 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Zaw Lin Oo, arrested him while he was sitting at a shop in Myint Hlut market at about 4 pm on July 30, 2013. 

The Commandant brought him to Kyauk Pando village where the battalion is based. Abdullah's family followed them to the village for his release. One villager told RB News Abdullah's family offered 5 million kyat to the Commandant. However, Commandant Lt. Col Zaw Lin Oo refused the offer of the family. He told them that he will transfer Abdullah to Buthidaung prison if they fail to fulfill his demand of the full 10 million Kyat. 

Until now, the negotiation with the Commandant remains unresolved. 

Reportedly, Commandant Lt. Col Zaw Lin Oo has been confiscating paddy fields belonging to Rohingyas in Kyauk Pando village. And he also forced the villagers to work as forced labourers in those paddy fields.