Rohingya hides to evade arrest for dead cow

(Kaladan Press) - 14 June 2008, Buthidaung, Arakan State

A Rohingya had to go into hiding to evade arrest for he was to be fined for his dead cow, said a relative of the victim on condition of anonymity.

The victim was identified as Zar Mulluk (30), son of Amir Hussain, from Maungyi Daung (Maggbill) village-tract of Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, Burma.

On June 3 morning some cattle of the victim went to the nearby mountain to graze. The cows were returning home after grazing in the evening when a cow slipped in the heavy rain and hurtled to its death in the mountain.

On receiving information, the police of Buthidaung town summoned the owner of the cows, Zar Mulluk to the police camp, but he went into hiding for fear of arrest and being fined.

According to villagers, a cattle owner would be fined by the authorities if any cow goes missing from the lists they maintain. Earlier, Nasaka Burma's border security force made lists of cattle (domestic animals---cows, buffaloes, and goats) belonging to villagers. If any villager wanted to sell cattle Naska had to be informed and paid. If a cow died that needs to be informed too and again they have to pay money for deletion from the list.

Nevertheless, after three days, on June 7, the victim's wife settled the problem paying Kyat 70,000 to the police officer of Buthidaung town through the Village Peace and Development council (VPDC) Chairman.

The victim, Zar Mulluk, however, returned home after eight days from hiding.