Former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Brig-Gen. Phone Swe arrived in Maungdaw this morning, according to an officer from Maungdaw.

Phone Swe arrived in Buthidaung yesterday evening and stayed overnight. This morning he arrived in Maungdaw, the officer said.

Phone Swe called all senior members of USDP, its nominated candidates for the forthcoming elections, Arakanese Rohingya religious leaders, leaders and elders along with Arakanese Rakhine leaders at the Aung guest house at four miles at 9 am, the officer added.

Phone Swe directed the USDP members to campaign for the election and asked local residents of Maungdaw to support the USDP promising to develop the area. He assured more free movement than before in Arakan, and will give permission for building and repairing of religious places: Madarasa (Islamic religious schools) and Mosques, said a local elder from Maungdaw.

High ranking officers of the junta are always promising facilities for Arakanese Rohingya, but, it will not be implemented for our community by the local authorities. The officers do not give signed orders, they only give verbal ones which has no proof,” the elder said.

The nominated members of USDP are: Aung Zaw Win, Mater Jangir Alam, Zahidul RaHaman alias Htay Win, Mya Aung and Master Tha Htin from Maungdaw Township. Among them, Aung Zaw Win ( Arakanese Rohingya) was selected as an upper house candidate and Master Jangir Alam and Mya Aung ( Arakanese Rakhine) were selected as lower house candidates, according to an USDP official.