Kaladan News

Dated: Wednesday, December 24, 2003.

Army Apprehended A Passenger Boat And Goods In Arakan

Buthidaung, Dec. 24: Army apprehended a passenger boat and goods of passengers in the second week of this month, while it was plying from Buthidaung town to Taungbazar area of the town, according to our correspondent.

On December 12, 2003, army from Battalion No. 564 seized the goods along with boat illogically, while the said boat reached at the Palay Daung army check-post of Buthidaung Township, Arakan, with full-load of passengers from Buthidaung town. Three armies from check-post came to the boat and were looting goods from passengers as their choice such as oils and other necessary goods. Regarding this, the driver of the boat made arguments with army for the goods of the passengers for a few minutes, but he failed to convince the army personnel. Finally, he forcibly retook some of the goods from the soldiers, he further added.

As a result, the soldiers became furious and forcibly took away all the goods from the boat even detained the boat. These passengers were shopkeepers, villagers, students, travelers and some patients who went to Buthidaung for medical treatment before, said a passenger.

It belongs to Mohammad Anwar son of Maulavi Siraj of Krin Tha Mar village of Buthidaung Township, Arakan State and has been plying in the river since 1993, he further added.

Since September last week of 2003, Burmese army has been looting goods from the passengers and travelers in Arakan State, while crossing army check-posts. The armed forces of out-post check all the passengers of boats, sampans and punts which are plying through the rivers and loot goods whatever they want.

The matter was raised to the concerned authority and even Western Command Commander Brigadier General Maung Oo by village chairmen and secretaries. But, no action was taken against the culprits.