October 21, 2016
The military arrested Rohingya Muslims from different villages in the Buthidaung area and have brought in artillery and other heavy weapons spreading terror in the township.
Three respected members of the community were arrested from Hpa Yong Chaung shortly after Jumma prayers. They have been identified as Abdul Karim, Md Ali and Md Shafi. They were taken away from the village, towards the direction of Buthidaung where the military continues to maintain a heavy presence.
There are reports that eight have been arrested from Nyaung Chaung and six have been arrested from Gu Fi on Friday. The circumstances in which they have been arrested are not yet clear.
Meanwhile hundreds of troops, armed with rocket launchers and light artillery are pouring into the areas adjoining the village tracts. The mobilisation of troops is giving rise to speculations that the military might attack Rohingya villages as they have done in Maungdaw.
Since October 9, the military armed with heavy weapons have wrecked havoc on Rohingya villages killing scores of civilians including women and children.
There are also concerns for the fate of the arrested men as many have died under torture in the custody of security forces.
