Our attention has been drawn to the indefinite hunger strike being observed by the Rohingya Refugees at Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh since Wednesday, the 9th of June 2004, demanding adequate protection and full refugee status.
The inmates of the said refugee camp numbering more than 8,000 that include old men, women and children are reported to have been now living in fear of possible attack and arrest by the large number of police already deployed the refugee camp since the 11th June 2004.
According to refugees, the hunger strike is observed in protest against the
excess done by the camp authorities and their collaborators called
"Majees".
excess done by the camp authorities and their collaborators called
"Majees".
The refugees began the hunger strike after some policemen entered the camp to arrest one Qurban Ali in the dead night of the 6th June 2004 and beat up his 12 year son and wife as he was not there. The whole inmates of the refugee camp were then terror-stricken by the police firing into the air.
It may be mentioned that in April 1998, about 100 hunger striking refugees were arrested by the authorities from the same camp 3 of whom are still serving a jail term of 14 years.
The Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) appeals to both the refugees and authorities concerned to exercises utmost restraint and find out an amicable solution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, we also appeal to the Government of the Bangladesh, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Community to look into the grievances of the Rohingya refugees for immediate redress on humanitarian ground.
Press & Publication Department
Arakan Rohingya National Organisation
Arakan, Burma.
Dated: 12th June 2004
Arakan Rohingya National Organisation
Arakan, Burma.
Dated: 12th June 2004