Maungdaw, Arakan State: The Commander of Burma’s border security forces (Nasaka) sector number 3, imposed curfew from 20:00hours to 5:00 hours since September 1 in his area for security reasons, said an aide of Nasaka.

The Commander Major Kyi Hlaing, who is notorious, imposed curfew for security in the area and to maintain peace, the aide said.

He ordered restriction of movement from one place to another except in emergency situations. In case of emergency, permission must be obtained from concerned authorities, where the officer in-charge gives permission in lieu of money starting from 5,000 to 20,000 kyats, said a local from Taungbroo.

“It is very difficult for poor people who need permission for health care to go to another place,” he said.

Similarly, the Commander of Nasaka sector 6, Major Nay Myo also imposed curfew without issuing an order. The Nasaka personnel arrested people who went for pray at the Mosque in the month of Ramadan (fasting month) and while returning home after praying, said a school teacher from Hlapoekhung village.

On September 17, Nasaka personnel arrested Hafez Shewwaf son of Molana Mohamed Hasson, Abdul Shukur son of Fasal Ahmed, Abdul Kudus son of Jamal Abeddin, Molana Abdul Hafaz son of Jamal Abeddin, Hossan Johar son of Mir Ahmed, Molana Rurul Amim son of Khirul Amin, Molana Mohamed Nur son of Nur Mohamed and Master Nurul Islam son of Kassim when they were returning from the Mosque after praying at about 22:00 hours.  They were released after they paid 15,000 kyats per person, he said.

The authorities show that they are protecting and providing security to the people from robbers, but the authorities themselves are robbing the people, he added.