June 4, 2012

Arakan National Council learns that the riot police from No.1 police station in Sittway shooting the peaceful protesters at 11 PM. According to the witnesses, more than 500 live bullets were firing for several hours and 9 wounded. One man was hit in the stomach, and the other 3 were hit in the arms and legs. Some are very serious condition and treated in Sittway Hospital.

The protest took place in front of the No. 1 police station in Sittway, capital city of Arakan State at 10 PM on Sunday. About 200 protesters went to the police station and demanded to release U Aung Than Way, who is member of Rakhine National Development Party (RNDP) and coordinator helping the shopkeepers from Nazi’s market’s heavy taxation. He was called by the police for questioning on June 3rd. His wife worried and went to the police station to see her husband. Other shopkeepers accompanied his wife to aid her.

“It is like the battleground and wars in the jungle the police shooting at us with live bullets even though it is in the busy city and crowed with the residents and onlookers,” one of the porters who does not want to mention his name told the ANC. He said he escaped from the bullets when he jumped into the nearby house and lay down on the ground.

Arakan National Council learns that RNDP Chairman PM Dr. Aye Maung is in the premises while the live-bullets are firing.

It is totally unacceptable the police brutality and violation of human rights by the shooting the civilian protesters and wounded whatsoever reasons the police may have. It is accountable Chief Minister U Hla Maung Tin for these criminal and brutalities of the police. This police brutality shows U Thein Sein government is still living in common origin of typical dictatorial regime.

Arakan National Council calls on President U Thein Sein immediately investigate and punish the police who shoot the civilians and give the orders according to the laws.

ANC calls for U Hla Maung Tin resignation immediately. His bloody hands definitely hinder national reconciliation and peace process between the Arakanese armed forces.

We call Arakanese communities all over the world to protest against the shooting the civilians and call for U Hla Maung Tin resignation.

Central Executive Committee

Arakan National Council

India--Contact: Chairman Ven. Ashain Ariawanth. Tel. 65-8589-2793.