Maungdaw, Arakan State : Referendum meetings were held at Bawli Bazaar, Fokira Bazaar (Khamaung Zeik), Taman Thar (Sabe Bazar), Ngar Khuya of Maungdaw Township yesterday at about 2:30 p.m. It was organized by the Religious Council (Rohingya) and Myanmar Muslim Council with local people being invited, said one of the participants.
The religious council and Myanmar Muslim council were sent to those places for mobilizing people for the ensuing referendum by the Director of Nasaka Headquarters in Maungdaw Township . They were provided three jeeps from Nasaka Headquarters for travelling.
At first, they held meetings in Mezanpur Madrassa of Loung Don village tract in Maungdaw Township inviting local elders, Maulanas and villagers. About 500 people participated in the meeting. In the meeting, Dr. Nurul Houque, the Chairman of the religious council said that the forthcoming constitutional referendum is a good opportunity for the community. "We have also got voting rights, so we must cast "yes" votes, a local trader quoted him as saying.
Besides, Mortaza, hailing from Maung Nama village of Maungdaw Township, and also the informer of the Director of Nasaka Headquarters told people how to cast the "yes" vote in the ballot box. It is very important to cast "yes" vote, other wise it will be difficult for the community in the future.
Former Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC) Chairman Chairman said in the meeting that people have the right to vote, whether "Yes" or "No". It depends on the people.
Maulana Sayedul Amin, the principal of Madrassa said "I have already been arrested three times on political matters, so it depends on the people whether you will cast the "Yes' or "No" vote. My view is that it will be good for us to cast the "yes" vote on May 10, said a village elder.
Similarly, they also held meetings in Fokira Bazaar, Sabe Bazaar, and Ngakura in Maungdaw Township yesterday.
Today, they will be holding a meeting at Taungbro, the Sub-township in Maungdaw Township where local people were invited.
After the meeting, people are in a dilemma whether to cast "yes" or "no" vote, said a Madrasa teacher.
