Dozens of Rakhine, allegedly from Bangladesh, were arrested by the army after being spotted carrying weapons in the mountain pass of Sein Nyin Pya north, said a village admin officer from Buthidaung, agreeing to be interviewed on condition of anonymity. The 41 arrestees, who were brandishing 16 swords, 8 firearms, 4 bows and even catapults and slingshots, were spotted by wood collectors and ranchers, claimed the officer.
During interrogation the men confessed they travelled from Bangladesh to make problems with Muslim who claim to be Rohingya, according to an aide of security forces that didn’t want their name used.
They spoke of others with similar plans entering from Buthidaung, Maungdaw and the southern state.
The suspects have since been sent to the army’s head office in Buthidaung, the aide said.
They will be probably released soon after a Rakhine village claims them as their own, said Anuu a trader from Buthidaung. This is what happened before in Maungdaw, Annu said. Many Bangladeshi Rakhines with firearms have been seen crossing the border towards Maungdaw or crossing the mountain pass to Buthidaung, but those that are caught are released.
Rohingya in Maungdaw and Buthidaung are feeling increasingly threatened after reports of armed Rakhines in the area continue to circulate, said Hamid, a school teacher from Maungdaw, who said they are getting help from the authorities.
