October 8, 2016
Police and Hlun Htein continued search missions in the Boli para village of Zaditaung, Buthidaung, spreading terror in the neighbourhood. The security forces say they are looking for men who had allegedly raped Rakhine women near the village on Monday.
Earlier this week, thousands of Rakhines surrounded Boli Para, alleging some of the villagers had raped their women. The mobilisation continued throughout the day, as nationalists organised their supporters to call for Muslim blood, amidst heavy security presence.
However, the security forces managed to convince the mob that it was impossible to let them have ‘2012- style justice’. At present, the government led by Aung Saan Suu Kyi is attempting to convince the outside world the government is serious in ending communal violence in the restive state. Following continuos requests by security forces, the mob has gradually melted away, though many are promising to ‘fight another day’.
In 2012, hundreds of Muslims were killed, tortured, and raped by Buddhist nationalists and security forces in retaliation for the rape and murder of a woman, supposedly committed by Rohingya Muslims.
Our correspondent and local sources say there is no evidence of the rape of Rakhine women in Zaditaung.
Though the mob has melted away, security forces continue to raid the village. There are no reports of arrests as most of the male Rohingyas have melted away. A father and son, beaten by the mob and handed over to the police on Monday are yet to be released. Police have told community elders that Yunus and his son Ali Bhutto will be released as soon as the real culprits are identified. The situation of the arrested duo is not known.
Nationalist supporters from other areas come by boat to show solidarity against Muslims in Zaditaung
