Maungdaw Sees Third Murder in Two Weeks

By San Yamin Aung 28 December 2016

RANGOON — A Muslim man who cooperated with authorities was found dead in northern Arakan State’s Maungdaw, the third murder in the area in less than two weeks, according to the State Counselor’s Office Information Committee.

The muddy dead body of Sirazuhut, who had been missing since the evening of Dec. 16, was discovered beside Pyuma creek between Wat Kyien village and Badakar village in Maungdaw on Dec. 26, the information committee reported on Tuesday.

Sirazuhut was a former head of ten households in Badakar village and was working with officials on regional development activities, the report stated.

U Zaw Htay, the President’s Office spokesperson, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, “The attacks are targeting innocent civilians who cooperated with authorities, in order to threaten others from telling the truth and cooperating with administrative officials.”

U Shuna Myar of Ngakhura village, who gave an interview to reporters during a three-day government-organized trip to northern Arakan State, was beheaded and slashed; and village administrative clerk Rawphi, 28, of Yedwingyun village, who cooperated with security forces while investigating rumors of rape cases, was found dead with cuts and stabs wounds on Sunday.

Sirazuhut cooperated with members of the security forces in their administrative duties, U Zaw Htay said.

“From an initial investigation, we have received information that those who led the Oct. 9 attacks were involved in killing these three people. But we cannot confirm that yet and will continue the investigation,” U Zaw Htay said.

On Oct. 9, militants attacked three border guard posts in Maungdaw Township in northern Arakan State, killing nine police officers and stealing weapons and ammunition.