The Belaro mosque was built after residents of Barsara village were forcibly relocated to a new location. It was constructed in 2011 “after getting necessary documents from the concerned authorities”, said the religious leader. The mosque served eighty households. Without warning, Nasaka personnel from Inn Din Nasaka camp went to the new Barsara village and destroyed the mosque in the morning on Jan. 5.

 According to a village elder who didn’t want their name used, actions like these by the government against the Muslim population  have become everyday occurrences in Arakan state following the sectarian violence that erupted in June and October. “They are always trying to uproot and destroy us.” Over 100,000 have been displaced by the conflicts – the majority being Muslims.

On Dec. 3, the Maungdaw district administration and township administration officers locked up mosques in Khadir Bill, Khair Para, and Kolaba villages. Before, less than 5 people were permitted to enter at a time for prayers, according to another religious leader who also didn’t want their name used.