Kaladan News

Date: Friday, June 18, 2004

Rohingya Barred from Cyclone Relief in Arakan


Though Rohingya donated US$ 2,67,000/- for Cyclone Victims


Akyab( Sittwe): June 18: Though Rohingyas from Rangoon donated a large amount of money for cyclonic storm affected victims in Arakan State, Rohingyas were barred from  relief, according to our sources. 


A group of 35 wealthy Rohingyas from Rangoon were allowed to go to Arakan State to see the victims of cyclonic storm hit on 19th May 2004. These Rohingyas donated an amount of US$ 2,67,000/- (Kyat 240.3 million) for the victims of cyclone. But Rakhine people from Rangoon donated only US$ 50,000/-(Kyat $ 45 million). Prime Minister Khin Nyunt arranged up and dawn trip from Rangoon to Akyab for 35 Rohingyas as to get donations for victims of cyclonic storm. At present, Rohingyas are totally banned to go to Rangoon from Arakan State. The aforesaid 35 Rohingyas have reached at Akyab by flight from Rangoon on 7th June, sources further added. 


On 7th June, Premier received donations of cash and goods from at home and abroad were handed over to concerned officials, according to the New Light of Myammar. 


On 8th June 2004, Prime Minister Khin Nyunt has visited a region of Western Burma devastated by a cyclone and donated Kyat 285.3 million. It was donated by the group of well-wishers who accompanied the Prime Minister, said sources. 


On 9th June, the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation (MWAF) and the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA), led by Dr. Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt also donated clothes, medicine, books and stationeries worth Kyat 2 million. 


The Chinese Red Cross Society donated only US$ 20,000 for the victims of the cyclonic storm victims. 


While distributing the relief among the victims of cyclone-affected people, the local officials didn’t distribute relief to the Rohingya people, who were also affected by cyclone, simply saying them you are not citizens of Burma, said a trader of Sittwe. 


Sensing the discrimination of relief distribution, the Rohingya group who came from Rangoon, again secretly distributed some money among the Rohingyas who were affected by cyclone, he further added.  


A cyclone hit the Arakan coast on 19th May 2004, and left over 520 people dead and more than 20,000 people homeless. And suffered damage to villages, crops and buildings, the vessels pitched wildly and sea wave rose as high as 50 meters and so many fishing boats were sunk. The storm lashed across the Bay of Bengal and struck mainly at four townships (Sittwe, Minbya, Myebon and Pauktaw) lasting about 10 hours.


But the officials of the regional weather office and radio didn’t announce any warning and storm alert before cyclone broke out. And also after the cyclone, it was reported about the serious casualties and damages by government medias after 10 days later. 


Burmese Ruling Military regime appealed for international assistance asking for large quantities of rice, tarpaulin sheets for temporary shelters, medicine, tanks for collection of rainwater, blankets and clothes. ## 



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