Narinjara News
Taknef, February 4
70 people gunned down by Burmese Navy
At least 70 people were reportedly gunned down in
while they were attempting to enter
into
from
smuggled rice.
The incident took place near the
Pandu, which is located on the eastern bank of the
Naff River, in
According to sources, about 50 boats from several
villages in
cross the
navy gun ship appeared and immediately opened fire on
the fleet.
"Several people fell dead into the water and a number
of the smugglers were arrested," said a witness from a
nearby village, adding that the number of dead,
wounded, and arrested was unclear and that people were
fearful to investigate the matter further.
Some people from
people were dead in the incident, many of whom were
from the townships of Kyauk Pru, Rambree, Pona Kyunt,
Akyab, Kyauk Taw, Pauk Taw, and Mrauk Oo.
A local Arakanese trader from Akyab said yesterday, in
Cox'sbazar, that news of the incident was spreading
among the Arakanese community in Akyab and Panna Kyunt
and that family members of those recently involved in
rice smuggling into
well-being.
The respective relatives do not to dare to look for
their family members who may be involved in the
incident for fear of action against them by the
authorities.
Akyab resident sources said a number of people who
were arrested at the scene are now being interrogated
by the authorities.
"As far as I know, the authorities are now trying to
ascertain the identities of the masterminds and their
gang involved in the smuggling of
rice to
said a rice businessman from Akyab.
All of the arrestees are currently being held in Akyab
and they have not had the chance to contact their
families, said a relative of one arrestee.
The smuggling of rice from
recently increased as Arakanese farmers look to get
more profits from their paddy after reduced local
prices failed to match the demand. Most of the rice is
smuggled across the border by boat, after a bribe is
paid to the local authorities.#
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