Kaladan News

Date: Monday, June 14, 2004

Marriage Restrictions Still Imposed on Rohingya Community

Buthidaung, June 14: Marriage restrictions that have been imposed on Rohingya community by Nasaka (Border security Force) since 1999 still exist, according to our correspondent.

The marriageable age is fixed 25 years for the bridegroom and 18 years for the bride. The couples are required to give undertakings that they would not take more than three children. In addition, the bridegroom has to assure not to take more than one wife, he further added.

On 29^th April 2004, one Ali Ahmed, 26, son of Amir Hamza, hailing from Alay Thankyaw village tract of Maungdaw Township, Arakan state, made an application to Captain Saw Lwin, the Commander of the Nasaka Area No.7 of Maungdaw Township, praying for permission for marriage, said a relative of the bridegroom.

As required, his application was already attached with other documents such as, a recommendation letter from Village Peace and Development Council’s Chairman, consent of the parents of both sides, an agreement made between intending couple, their family lists and photos, source further said.

On 12^th May 2004, the parents of the both sides went to the Nasaka Camp and paid a bribe of Kyat 70,000/-(US$ 80) to the Commander to get their application passed. But this money was the lowest bribe as the parents of both sides are poor, said a Moulvi from the village tract..

Usually one has to bribe Kyat 100,000 to 200,000/- to the concerned Nasaka authorities according to his financial condition. There were instances that the Nasaka had taken a bribe of Kyat 500,000 to 1,000,000 for marriage permission. Many people are waiting in vain for a long time in great frustration. Some have already withdrawn their applications, as they receive no response even after 2/3 years. The marriage permission is virtually impossible for those who could not afford bribe money, Moulvi further added.

Under the pretext of enquiry, on 15^th May 2004, the applicants (the parents of both sides) were summoned to the Nasaka Camp and were asked some intricate questions, which are, in fact, mental harassment. However, the Nasaka Commander granted them permission on 21^st May 2004. And accordingly the marriage was solemnized on 28th May 2004.

Last April, while Dr Khin Win Shwe, the wife of the new Prime Minister Khin Nyunt was visiting northern Arakan, she assured the Rohingya women that the restrictions on their marriage would be introverted in future; but it still exists, said a villager. ##

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