Rohingyas villagers in northern Arakan State are feeling increasingly anxious after Nasaka (Burma border security force) continue to pressure them to accept the term Bengali” in place of “Rohingya” during a state-wide census that is only being conducted the Muslim populations, said a Maungdaw politician.
LT.Col Aung Naing Oo, the director general for Nasaka, has been harassing Rohingyas to accept the term that implies that they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and not from Burma, said one local leader who didn’t want his name used.
“Since May 9, the Nasaka director and other security personal have been going to villages close to the Nasaka Headquarters in Kawar Bill (Gyikang Pyin).”
Those who don't comply have been arrested and detained. Reports have emerged that some are being tortured while under arrest. Following the release of a report by the Investigation Commission into the sectarian violence in Arakan state, Aung Naing Oo has been telling the villagers that they must also learn to read and write in Burmese, according to an ex-teacher from Maungdaw Township.
The Nasaka director allegedly ransacked Master Fayaz Ahmed’s house in Kawar Bill village after he and his family fled to avoid arrest. Villagers are having trouble sleeping at night for fear of the same things happening to them. To make matters worse they are forbidden from leaving their villages.
