April 28, 2017
Maungdaw- A gang of human traffickers is once again active in three of the coastal village tracts of Maungdaw South. The gang led by four people, one based in Hassu Rata, one in Knone Na Para, and two in Gozon Dia are operating openly in full view of village authorities and the law enforcement agencies. Concerned citizens are worried about the resumption of human trafficking, but are forced to stay quiet, as the gang has many miscreants in their service, and more importantly are backed by the security services.
A ship is also reportedly waiting in the sea for their service.
The gang is convincing naïve men and women that this time, it would be much easier to reach Malaysia. They are saying the sufferings Rohingyas had to endure in the sea vessels and the jungle camps of Thailand are an affair from the past, and new migrants will not have to face the same problems.
Myanmar authorities, especially Hlun Htein forces were once heavily involved in the human trafficking by sea. However, the discovery of mass graves near jungle camps in Thailand led to an international outcry in mid 2015 and Myanmar cracked down on the illegitimate smuggling operations it had once whole heartedly supported.
The human trafficking operation served two interests of the Myanmar authorities – – it provided a lucrative multi billion dollar business, and it helped them get rid of the Rohingya people, a populace they have promised to expel out the country.
It is not known whether Myanmar will once again start human trafficking this year. The smuggling business has not been too active for almost two years.
However, it will also be difficult to conduct the business in these season as the seas are rough.
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