Maungdaw, Arakan State: Maungdaw police arrested five Arakanese Rohingyas for allegedly murdering two Natala villagers, who were hacked to death by unidentified miscreants on September 24, 2009. The authorities have now opened the murder case and arrested five innocent Rohingya villagers on January 6 on false charges, said a close relative of one of the victims
The arrested were identified as Tandu Meah (17), son of Nurul Haque, Azizul Haque (65), son of Nurul Haque, Omar Hakim (60), son of Kasim, Moulvi Rashidul Haque, (20), son of Omar Hashim and Moulvi Karim Ullah (23), son of Azizullah. They all belong to Kilaidaung (Du Cheeyartan) village tract of Maungdaw Township.
Regarding the murder case, on December 27, District Peace and Development Council (DPDC) Chairman of Maungdaw Township visited the Natala village which is established nearby Kilaidaung village and inquired about the situation. They (Natala villagers) said two Nalata villagers were killed four months ago, but no action was taken, neither were the culprits apprehended, according to a Nasak aide from nearby village
Following which the DPDC Chairman ordered the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) Chairman to investigate the murder case again.
On January 6, policemen went to Kilaidaung (Du Cheeyartan) village tract from Maungdaw town and arrested the said villagers alleging that they had murdered the two Natala villagers. They are now in Maungdaw police custody.
According to many sources, earlier, the authorities had arrested some Arakanese Rohigyas on suspicion. They were released because no evidence was found. The villagers were victims of extortion.
However, now the authorities have opened the murder case and are harassing the Rohingya people without any proof, said a local trader who denied to be named.
Earlier, the Tactical Operation Commander (TOC) of Buthidaung, The Nasaka Director of Maungdaw Township, District Peace and Development Council
(DPDC) Chairman, Township PDC Chairman and other officials visited the spot for inquries. But, they did not find any clue that Rohingya were involved in the killings.
A village elder on condition of anonymity asked, “After four months, why have authorities arrested innocent Rohingya villagers?”
