Maungdaw, Arakan State: The Traffic Police in Maungdaw are impounding newly-purchased motorcycles that have not yet been officially registered, and then using them for their own personal use, according to a local motorcycle owner.

Sub-Inspector Thanung Htay, the officer in charge of traffic police, seized the motorcycles, which were bought from the showroom and used as “ON TEST”, the owner said.

“The traffic police, including Corporal Tin Aye and Corporal Ba Aye, are now using the seized motorcycles for their personal use.”

“We had an agreement with the Transport Department to register brand new motorcycles as “ON TEST” as there is no registration office in Maungdaw. The authorities visit Maungdaw once a year to check the new registrations,” said the man in charge of the motorcycle showroom in Maungdaw.

“The office agreed with us to issue registrations for newly-sold motorcycles within one year. The concerned authorities were informed about this by the registration office. So, people should not have to worry about harassment from the Traffic Police.”

However, the Maungdaw Traffic Police Department has been harassing motorcyclists for registration and other issues, and also extorting money from them. The Rohingya community seems to be the main target of this scheme, said a local businessman.

“The Traffic Police initiated a new system to get more money by seizing brand-new motorcycles that carry “ON TEST” plates, and asking more money for them. Now the new, seized motorcycles are being used by the police for their personal benefit.”

Previously, Officer Thaung Htay asked owners of new motorcycles to pay between 20,000 to 30,000 kyat. Now he is asking more in places where the Rohingya community have refused to give the demanded money,” added the businessman.