Rakhine protest against aid groups

Rakhine protest against aid groups
by -
Kaladan Press

Rakhine protestors gathered in front of several international non-governmental organizations INGOs offices in Maungdaw to protest the medical treatment of more than 22 Rohingyas wounded during the alleged massacre last month in Du Chee Ya Tan.

At least 350 people proceeded from the Central Monastery (Bohoo Kjaun Tai) to the Médecins sans Frontières-Holland and UNHCR offices recently in cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, said local human rights observer Halim.

“On the way to Maungdaw, the Rakhine community group stopped at Myoma Kayoungdan village where Médecins sans Frontières-Holland (AZG) is located.”

They shouted for the “UN get out, AZG get out, INGOs get out, No voting rights and selection with white card” Halim said.

“The Rakhine also demanded for the UN and INGOs to leave from Maungdaw district within seven days,” said Hasu, who is a local elder.

Protestors from rural areas were paid 5000 kyat to join the demonstration. Those from the city were paid even more, Hasu alleged.

At the time of press this information could not be independently verified by Kaladan Press Network.

The protestors were angry that wounded Rohingya Du Chee Ya Tan residents were being helped by the aid groups, said Ali, who is a school teacher in Maungdaw.

During last month’s violence many Rohingyas were reportedly killed after mobs and police allegedly attacked their properties. Their relatives are now sleeping rough under the open sky. Both the Rakhine community and authorities heading an inquiry have denied anyone was killed or that the violence even took place, Ali said.

But the UN and many rights groups claim to have credible evidence that more than 48 were murdered by state security force and Rakhines from Kharay Mine who worked hand in hand during the attacks. They are urging the government to allow an independent investigation to take place.