Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Rohingya camp leader murdered in Ukhiya

By @mir_sidiquee
A Rohingya camp leader has been hacked to death by unknown assailants inside the Balukhali camp.
Around 7pm Monday 18 June 2018, Arif Ullah, 35 years old, the head Majhi of block 11, Balukhali camp (2/2), was dragged down from an auto-bike, hacked with sharp weapons and slated his throat, said sources.

When refugees living in the area came out hearing the commotion, the assailants fled. Arif Ullah was taken to Ukhiya Sadar Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The Majhis are leaders designated by authorities to represent the refugees living in a certain part of the camp, often because of their knowledge of Bangla.

OC Abul said Arif had been the leader of the C11 block since the beginning of the recent Rohingya crisis. The dead body will be sent to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy.

According to sources, Arif had a quarrel with a “rival group” over establishing supremacy in the camp. Police thinks the murder was motivated from enmity. Police official Chailau Marma said the law enforcers are trying to arrest the murderers.

Meanwhile, the killing has given rise to tension in the Rohingya camp. Additional police force has been deployed in the area to avert any further untoward incident

According to sources, deceased Arif Ullah is a higher educated person, a graduated person of Yangon University.

He was very skilled in English language. He used to describe the misery of Rohingya to different ministers, presidents and foreign officials who came to visit them in the camps, said Ukhia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Nikaruzzaman. 

Earlier on October 19, 2017 an opponent group of Rohingyas had attacked Arif Ullah. Though he has escaped that time, his younger brother Muhibullah was sustained knife injuries. The mystery behind the killing is being investigated, the OC added.

Credit: media sources and confirmed through phone calls.