Villagers tortured for refusing racial profiling

Villagers tortured for refusing racial profiling
by -
Kaladan Press

Five Rohingya villagers from northern Maungdaw were severely tortured by Nasaka one day before the border security force was officially dissolved. The villagers from Wabeg, 3 of which were women, were tortured on June 11 for refusing to take part in racial profiling household survey that only Muslims are forced to participate in.

Nasaka personnel are trying to force villagers to complete the survey that makes them identify as “Bengali in place of Rohingya”, according to an elder that didn’t want his name used.

Nasaka officers nabbed the 5 Wabeg villagers and dragged them to a river where they proceeded to force their heads under the water until they lost consciousness. One of the women’s' three-month old baby was badly injured by the ordeal. All of the villagers were fasting for Ramadan. The drowning caused them to swallow water thus breaking their fast.

The victims have been identified as Hafeza Khatun, 30; wife of Osman and their three-month old baby,  Gulbano, 35; wife of Shoffi,  Culzar, 40, daughter of Hassan, Sayed Ahmed,60; son of Eman Hussain and Mohamed Hashim, 50; son of Kala Meah.

Teams that have included Nasaka, police and immigration officers have being travelling to Rohingya villages in Maungaw and Buthidaung Townships to force residents to take part in the household survey. Many have already fled from their homes to avoid harassment by the security forces. They are hiding in the forest or in neighboring villages.