KALADAN NEWS

Dated: July 03, 2004

Nasaka Ordered Villagers to Destroy an Ancient Mosque in Northern Arakan

Taungbro, July 03: Nasaka (Border Security Force of Burma) ordered to the villagers to destroy an ancient mosque at the bordering village of Taungbro Right under the Maungdaw Township in Arakan State, Western Burma, according to our correspondent. 

On 16^th June 2004, the Commander of Nasaka Sector No.2 verbally ordered Village Peace & Development Council (VPDC) Chairman and Members to demolish the ancient mosque of the village without assigning any reason. The order has caused anxiety the Rohingyas as well as bordering Bangladeshis. The villagers approached the Nasaka authority with request to cancel or adjourn the order but no effect. However, the villagers still continue making all-out efforts, he further added. 

But complying with the order, on 18^th June 2004, the Village Chairman with the Members, instead of making efforts to save the mosque, had fenced the mosque compound with its gate and doors closed while prohibiting the devotees to pray in it. It made the surrounding villagers angry, said a villager, asking not to be named. 

Now, villagers and bordering Bangladeshi people are obviously upset on demolition this historical mosque and believe that an instant initiative might be taken to destroy it, the villager added. 

It may be mentioned that in 1993 the Muslim cemetery adjacent to the mosque was confiscated where on, a Nasaka camp was built. There are 7 acres of land endowed to the mosque, which are now being used by VPDC Chairman, for his own benefit, under the patronage of the Nasaka.  

On objection, the members of the Mosque Committee were threatened and harassed by VPDC Chairman. It is a tin-roofed mosque just a few yards from Bangladesh border, said another villager.

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