Four Rohingyas shot dead and 12 injured by Hlun Htaine Police in Sittwe

RB News
August 9, 2013

Sittwe, Arakan – Shots were fired by the Hlun Htaine police in Ohn Daw Gyi and Bawdupha Rohingya refugees camps in Sittwe today. Reportedly four Rohingyas killed and about 12 injured.

Yesterday, August 8, 2013, two Rohingya refugees from Ohn Daw Gyi camp went fishing near an outpost of Hlun Htaine police. The police arrested them and they were beaten severely. Though one of the men managed to escape the other was brutally beaten and died in custody. This morning the news spread and the Rohingyas went to the police outpost and asked to return the body. The police refused to give the corpse back to the villagers and finally the they opened fire into the crowd. Four Rohingyas were killed on the spot and 8 were injured.

After the shooting into the crowd, the police reportedly created scenario to blame Rohingyas, setting fire to the outpost themselves and blaming Rohingyas. This particular outpost was formerly used by the recently disbanded Nasaka. 

“We asked them very politely to give us the corpse that was killed by Hlun Htaine last night. But they responded to us very harshly and shot us when the people gathered in greater and greater numbers. Four people killed on the spot and 8 were injured. After that the drama was created by them to blame us. They set fire the outpost and said that we did that.” a Rohingya told RB News.

The people who were injured were brought to the clinic located in Thet Kay Pyin refugee camp. Four of them were seriously injured and their lives are in danger. 

Since the morning, the Hlun Htaine police and military have surrounded all the Rohingya refugee camps in Sittwe and are disallowing anyone to leave from the camps. Police, reportedly attempted to arrest 6 Rohingya men and 2 women from Bawdupha camp this evening, again causing the situation between the police and the refugees to become tense. 

The refugees urged the police not to arrest anyone unjustly and chanted to free the lawyer and political prisoner U Kyaw Hla Aung. The police then threw the tear gas into the crowd and opened fire. Reportedly four more Rohingyas were injured and are now getting medical treatment at the mosque situated in Bawdupha. 

Since yesterday up to now, total five Rohingyas were killed by brutal Hlun Htaine police. The profiles detail of the dead persons and injured persons will be posted when available. 

Updated News: 

One man died at 9:30 pm from injuries he received in the morning. His name is Nasir, son of Abdul Misri. He is believed to be 26 years old.

Update News: (11:45 PM Myanmar Local Time)

Two men died at about 11:30 pm from injuries those received in the morning. Their profiles detail will be posted when available.