Buthidaung Township Administrator Says No Marriage Permission For Local Rohingyas

RB News 

November 3, 2013 

Buthidaung, Arakan – The Township Administrator of Buthidaung Township in Arakan State said in a meeting, not to issue marriage permission for local Rohingyas. 

The meeting with village and ward administrators was held in the office of Buthidaung Township administration today. All the villages and ward's administrators attended. In the meeting, the Township Administrator Than Shwe instructed that not to issue any marriage permissions to local Rohingyas. 

Than Shwe threatened that any Village and Ward Administrators would be in trouble if any permissions were issued. He added that they have to control the Rohingya population. This is why the permission must not be issued. He also said that they need to restrict the movement of Rohingyas. 

Although the most notorious organization "the Nasaka" in Northern Arakan State, has been disbanded by the government, restrictions on Rohingyas have reportedly been increasing day by by. A local Rohingya said this is the reason people are fleeing from the country everyday. To search for freedom and a better life abroad. 

Previously, marriage permissions were issued by Nasaka. Later, the Village Administrators were authorized to issue them. Now, permission will not be granted to anyone in Buthidaung Township. 

He added that the person who is restricting their economy, education, health, social and religious freedom is Township Administrator Than Shwe. Although there was violence that took place in Arakan State, Buthidaung Township had peace and stability although there were reportedly arbitrary arrests and extortions regularly. 

The Mosques and Madarassas (Religious Schools) in the town have been closed down by the authorities since June of last year. The Rohingya people have not been able to gather for any congregational or normal prayers since then.