At least 10 Muslim refugees from Bodupa Muslim refugee camp in Sittwe have been arrested by the police in connection with a recent attack on a local village administrator’s house.
The incident took place on July 22nd, when over 1,000 Muslim people from the Bodupa camp targeted the house of U Maung Maung Tin, a Muslim village administrator. The mob attacked and totally destroyed his house.
U Maung Maung Tin is also employed by the Denmark Relief Committee (DRC) as a humanitarian aid distributor, and allegations have surfaced that he has demanded money in return for humanitarian aid, but Narinjara hasn’t been able to confirm this.
“The mob targeted the administrator’s house at noon on July 22nd and they looted some valuable property belonging to U Maung Maung Tin. The police were only able to disperse the mob after firing three bullets into the air,” said a police officer.
The attack on U Maung Maung Tin’s house resulted in damage to his fence, corridor, ladders, and other parts of his residence. In addition, the mob took three boxes of gold and cash.
“Eight Muslims from the refugee camp were detained soon after the incident. Another two suspects were arrested later,” added the police officer.
There are unconfirmed reports that many refugees in the camp who were involved in the incident have already fled.
“The affected village administrator has filed a case at the local police station. The police have already started the investigation process,” revealed the police officer.
A Muslim elder from the village who speaks the Rakhine language confirmed that the attack occurred but declined to provide any further details about the incident.
