KALADAN NEWS

Dated: August 14, 2003

Two Muslims Arrested for identification of Islam on NID Cards in Southern Burma

Moulmein, August 14: On 11 August 2003, two Muslims named U Win Khrine, 42, and Zaw Win Naing, 35, were arrested by a combined cell, consisting of Nasaka (Border Security Force) and Immigration because of their identification of Islam in religion on their National Identity Cards (NID), said Muslim Agency for News.

Both victims hailed from Moulmein Town of Karen State in Southern Burma, while they were going to Tavoy town in Tanaserim Division from Moulmein. They were arrested at the gate of Ray town, a place between Moulmein and Tavoy because of their identification of Islam in religion on their national identity cards, source further added.

Another traveler named U Aung Shwe accompanied by the victims has not been arrested by the combined cell, as he is similar to Burman in appearance and was written on his identity card that religion in Buddhist and nationality is Myanmar though he is a Muslim.

In Burma, if a Muslim travels anywhere, on the way the concerned authorities would check him and either he would be constrained or to be bribed the authority for the journey.

Under the dictatorship of Senior General Shan Shwe, many mosques, religious schools and graveyards were abolished; new constructions of mosques, religious schools and even those renovations are totally banned.

Many Muslims are trying to get National Identity Cards, filling Buddhist religion instead of religion in Islam on their NID Cards for hoping better facilities such as getting jobs and relief from movement restrictions, to study in colleges and universities without any restriction and etc. ##

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