Coast Guard members, acting on a tip, raided the area, arresting 18 Rohingya gathering at the Shapuri Dip, who intended to go to Malaysia by sea, yesterday at around 4 am.

Those arrested were sent back to Burma after being interrogated, according to a security official.

They are from different areas of Arakan State, according to sources.

Police also arrested 15 would-be boat people from the same area on the night of January 7th. Later, they were sent to Cox’s Bazar Jail after being charged.

An elder from Maungdaw said Rohingya people are attempting the dangerous and sometimes deadly journey by sea to Malaysia because of political persecution and human rights abuses in their homeland.

“We Rohingya, hope to get some rights from Burmese authorities after the 2010 elections, including  freedom of movement, easing of restrictions on marriage, access to medical treatment, education and equal rights- the same as other ethnic groups,” the elder said.

The elder also said harassment and human rights abuses are unabated in Arakan State, even though President Thein Sein’s civilian-led government rules the country.