Rohingyas in Bangladesh camps ‘urged’ to take up arms
PARBATTA NEWS ONLINE DESK
Many young Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh say they are prepared to fight, according to testimonies gathered from camps in Cox’s Bazar, BBC Bangla reports.
Refugees with links to community groups and factions have confirmed that at least four organisations are active in the camps, encouraging young men to join an armed struggle.
The groups named by camp residents are the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), Islamic Mahaz, and the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA).
Camp residents said the activities include informal meetings and discussions where the possibility of “armed rebellion,” “jihad” or “war” is openly promoted.
Several Rohingyas said that in the past year to 18 months, more refugees have begun to think about returning to Myanmar with the aim of establishing an independent region.
One young man in a Cox’s Bazar camp said: “We will not remain here. We will go back to Myanmar. If necessary, we will fight to make it free.”
He added: “We will fight, against the Arakan Army. We want freedom.”
Another young man in Ukhiya camp said: “We are being told to achieve freedom in our own country through war. Everyone is prepared for jihad. For this purpose, both ARSA and RSO are working together.”
Direct observations inside the camps and interviews with several refugees confirmed that such discussions and meetings are being held on a regular basis.
Ordinary Rohingyas said that these groups frequently hold meetings aimed at uniting refugees and building a collective stance against Myanmar’s Arakan Army.
