Four Muslims detained at Taungup Twsp immigration office

By Aung Kaung Zaw 19 Sep 2020

Aung Kaung Zaw | DMG
19 September, Maei

Four Muslim men arrested near Linti Creek in Maei town, Arakan State, are reportedly being detained at the Immigration and National Registration Department office in Taungup Township.

The four were arrested after they were reported to the Maei police station by a local on September 14, with severe movement restrictions in place across Arakan State amid an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

They were transferred to the Immigration and National Registration Department in Taungup Township the same day, said Police Inspector Ko Ko Min Tun, head of the Maei police station.

“They said they came by motorboat. A farmer from Thadon village found four Muslims and informed the police station about them. We arrested the four Muslims and transferred them to the office of Immigration and National Registration Department in Taungup Township,” the police officer said.

Among the four Muslim detainees, three are reportedly from Thitkelpyin village in Sittwe Township and one is from Chaungtaung village in Mrauk-U Township.

A letter regarding how to proceed with their case was addressed to the Immigration and National Registration Department’s head office, said U Thaung Htut Oo, an officer from the department in Taungup Township.

“We have detained them. Concerning the four Muslims, we have presented a letter to the head office. They are currently being held in detention because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

More than 40 undocumented Muslims from Arakan State were arrested in the river between Mawlamyinegyun and Bogale townships in Ayeyawady Region and sent back to Arakan State on August 27.