Maungdaw, Arakan State: Burma’s border security force (Nasaka) Director Lt. Col Aung Gyi of Kyikan Pyin (Kawarbill) of Maungdaw Township called some religious leaders (Madrasa teachers) to hold a meeting in Nasaka headquarters on October 22, said one of the participants on condition of anonymity.

The Director called some religious leaders from Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships to attend the meeting which was held at Nasaka Headquarters of Maungdaw Township.

Sixty five Maulanas from Maungdaw Township and six Maulanas from Buthidaung Township, totalling 71 Maulanas participated in the meeting.  Maulana Sayedul Amin of Maungdaw north and Maulana Abdul Suban Khan of Maungdw south were made leaders of the participants.

During the meeting, the Nasaka Director Lt. Col Aung Gyi said that all the participants should follow the orders and instructions of the two leaders. If the participants follow the instructions of two leaders, the government will allow building mosques, other religious buildings and provide other facilities, said one of the relatives of the participants.

People believe that there will be some restrictions in religious schools (Madrasas) in the future. But, some villagers believe that it is a kind of vote campaign for the forthcoming election. In future, the authorities will give directions to the participants through these leaders. Earlier, the ruling military junta did many works effectively through the two leaders during the last national constitutional referendum.

But, Rohingya people are waiting eagerly for the next step of the regime towards the Rohingya community in north Arakan, said a village elder.