Two Muslim refugees from Kyin Ni Byint refugee camp in Pauk Taw township of Arakan State were killed in the shootout of security forces.
refugeeU Thet Tun Aung, an Arakan State lawmaker told Narinjara over phone from Pauk Taw township that the incident took place in Kyin Ni Byint Muslim refugee camp on Thursday, where two inmates died in the Army firings. He also added that two factions of refugees started attacking each other, which compelled the Army authority to engage the security forces.
It is believed that the Muslim refugees in the Kyin Ni Byint camp are divided in their opinions towards the government, more precisely on the government housing plans.
Before the incident, some refugees from the pro-government housing group went to a place to transport bamboos and palm-leaf flaps. The group was then attacked by the refugees of anti- government housing plan with sticks and swords.
The Army personnel, stationed in a nearby outpost initially tried to intervene in it, but it did not work. Later the security personnel opened fires on the mob that resulted in the casualties. One inmate died on the spot and the other succumbed to injuries later, stated the Arakan lawmaker.
Speaking to Narinjara from the location, a police officer in Pauk Taw township confirmed about the happenings. The body of one dead was brought to Pauk Taw hospital for autopsy but there is no information about the other dead. The police officer also denied any details of the incident and casualties.