Maungdaw, Arakan State: Burma’s border security force (Nasaka) has been deployed in every village in Maungdaw Township from August 13 after a robbery in Maungdaw Township on August 10, said a local businessman.  
The Nasaka told villagers that they came to the villages to provide security from robbers who come from Bangladesh. Robberies have been occurring since the beginning of this year in Maungdaw Township. The authorities are taking a serious view now. So, villagers believe that there is something fishy, said a village elder.

A village youth said, “After seven Nasaka personnel’s arrival in our village, they are staying in villagers’ houses.”  

The Nasaka have also been deployed in other villagers in Maungdaw Township, but the real reason is not known, said a school teacher.

A robbery occurred on August 9, at six-mile area, out of Maungdaw Town where Nasaka and Hloonhtin camps exist. One villager was killed and four others were injured by the robbers. All the robbers had masks on their faces.

The Nasaka, the army and the police know who robbers are, but the authorities try to convince villagers that the robbers are from Bangladesh, said a village ex-chairman preferring not to be named.

After the fence, there are no exits and entry points outside the authorities’ knowledge, so how do the robbers or outsiders enter and commit robberies in Maungdaw Township where there are many Nasaka camps along the border, said a villagers authority member said.

This year, about 30 robberies have been committed in Maungdaw Township so far.

A village trader said on condition of anonymity, “There is a secret plan of the authorities. But, they are deceiving villagers saying they are providing security to the villagers.”