Maungdaw, Arakan State: Backlash of the referendum still continues in northern Arakan.  A Rohingya youth was arrested and had to give into extortion on May 15, for voting 'No'  in the constitutional referendum held on May 10, said a relative of the victim requesting anonymity.

The victim was identified as Noor Mohamed (25), son of Zahir Ahmed, hailing from Aley Than Kyaw village tract in Maungdaw Township. He passed his matriculation examinations last year.

On May 10, at about 10 a.m. the victim went to the polling booth and asked the Nasaka authorities and the police what would happen if he voted 'No'. The authorities said there would be no problems. So, he cast a 'No' vote.

After that, however, Nasaka, Burma's border security force and police chased him but were unable to arrest him. However, on May 15, he was arrested by Nasaka and extorted Kyat 1.2 million.

After being released he was again arrested by Nasaka of Nasaka area No. 7 in Maungdaw Township on June 1, and detained at the camp. Finally, he was released the same day after paying kyat 200,000 to the commander of Nasaka area No. 7, said a friend of the victim.