27 Rohingya Arrested in Irrawaddy Region
By Network Media Group
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Last week, soldiers from the Military Council apprehended 27 Rohingya who were travelling in a vehicle transporting soil, marking the latest crackdown in Irrawaddy Region on members of the long-persecuted ethnic minority group attempting to escape economic turmoil in the neighbouring Rakhine State.
A source close to the local government informed NMG that the soldiers and police took them into custody at the Oak Pon military checkpoint in Zee Pin Kwin village-tract of Kyangin Township.
“As far as I know, the driver transported the Rohingya from Oukshitpin. Nevertheless, this case is currently under investigation.” Among those detained, 21 were male, and 6 were female.
Local residents mentioned that Rohingya frequently journey to areas such as Shwe Thaung Yan, Chaung Tha, Ngwe Saung, Gawrangyi, Pyapon, and Bogale in the Irrawaddy Division using fishing boats. By land, they travel to Yangon via the Oukshitpin junction road, Betye, Yenanttha junction, Nga Thaing Chaung, and Yekyi on the Pathein–Monywa highway after crossing the Rakhine mountain range.
“I believe these Rohingya travelled the Taunggup road with the assistance of brokers. Given the challenges of securing employment in Rakhine State and their struggle for survival there, they are actively seeking job opportunities elsewhere,” stated an individual associated with the Muslim Assistance Association in the Irrawaddy Division.
Despite being born in the country and, in most cases, having parents who were also born in Burma, many Rohingya have been denied citizenship and fundamental rights, including freedom of movement.
On 6 August, police apprehended a Rohingya man and woman riding two motorcycles on the Magyizin–Kyetthonkwin road near Thae Phyu in Thaboung Township.
Two days earlier, the navy detained 72 individuals (67 males and 5 females) at sea approximately four miles from Kaing Thaung in Laputta Township.
Naval officers also arrested 62 individuals (50 males and 12 females) aboard a boat near Haigyi Kyun Island in Ngaputaw Township on 5 May.
On 19 April, 70 individuals (58 males and 12 females) were apprehended near Gawrangyi Island.
Police took into custody 39 Rohingya at a checkpoint in Hinthada, located in a township sharing the same name, on 1 January.
