Maungdaw Arakan State: The Chairmen of District Peace and Development Council (DPDC) and Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) in Maungdaw Township have disappointed Rohingya farmers as they were ordered recently to grow paddy on the lands destroyed by the recent floods and landslides. Sand and stones litter arable land, said an owner.

The lands were damaged by the recent floods and landslides. The owners are trying to clear the land, but in vain because of the enormity of the task.

Many acres of arable lands were completely destroyed in Maung Nama village tract, Kawar Bill village tract and other village tracts of Maungdaw Township by the recent floods in north Arakan State.

It is not possible to move a lot of sand and stones within the rainy season. So, it will be barren for paddy this year. Some of the NGOs working in Arakan State have collected the list of destroyed lands.  They promised the farmers, that they will provide support to clear the lands, but, farmers are still waiting to receive their support, said another local farmer.

Aware  of the situation of the farmers, the Chairmen of the DPDC and TPDC  recently ordered the farmers to grow paddy on the lands after moving the sand and stones, otherwise, it will be confiscated, said school teacher from Maungdaw Town.

“The idea is to create more pressure on the Rohingya community while they are facing trouble,” said a local elder on condition of anonymity.

In fact, the concerned authorities have to support and encourage farmers, who are facing problems. It is their job. But, they want to create trouble and extort money from the Rohingya community, said businessman.