Sittwe, Arakan State: The Chairman of Maramargree Association in Arakan State, U Maung Nu, said he was forced to sign a promise letter by local authorities, who accused him of overstepping his boundaries during a recent demonstration outside the Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe, on Oct.12.
“I was summoned by State Police In-Charge Nay Myo and asked to sign a letter (admitting) there wasn’t a permit granted for the peaceful demonstration. He also warned me (as Arakan State is still unstable) opportunists might use it to create problems.”
U Maung Nu said he was also warned not to carry out unlawful activities.
Maramargree; an ethnic group, also known as Barua, and youths from the Arakan Network held the peaceful demonstration to protest arson attacks, and destruction of Buddhist monasteries and residences in Ramu, Bangladesh, on Sept. 29.
U Maung Nu said they took to the streets after officials from the Bangladesh Consulate failed to receive their letter of protest.
“When we held the demonstration in front of the consulate, we demanded that the responsible person(s) come out and receive our letter of protest to the Bangladeshi government. But no- one came would receive our letter, and the gates of the consulate were locked. So, we continued our demonstration into the streets.”
U Maung Nu said he didn’t want to talk about the letter he claims authorities made him sign, but that everyone living in Arakan State is obligated to show their loyalty to their homeland.
After security forces have being deployed on every corner the situation in Sittwe has gotten better, he said.
