Refugees getting training to join Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army

The Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh may soon turn out to be security nightmare for the country and its neighbours as the young refugee men between the age of 18-25 are believed to be training to join Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, the rebel group fighting Myanmar Army against alleged genocide.

Sources in Bangladesh security agencies said a huge cache of arms was caught from the camp number 3, of Kutupalong recently during a weekly patrol. It is also learnt that men between the age group of 18-25 disappear from time to time and then come back to these camps. There is an apprehension that these men may be taking training somewhere to fight the Myanmar Army.

The Bangladesh security agencies, aware of these facts, have increased surveillance in the camps. Officials said that though the camps are not secured with any kind of fences and boundaries, there is substantial presence of police and intelligence agencies. The main entrance has policemen stationed who maintain a list of entry and exit to the camp.

There are 23 such camps in Kutupalong alone that provide shelter to nearly 10 lakh refugees. Besides, there are refugees in the camps at different locations taking the total tally to nearly 11 lakh.

“We have our own agencies working here among these refugees who are keeping a strict vigil. No radicalisation will be permitted. In fact, a lot of aid groups are working on the mental health of these refugees to prevent radicalisation,” said Shamimul Huq Pavel, camp in-charge at Kutupalong. He added that though the movements of the refugees are not restricted they are still advised not to leave camps without informing the authorities and without an identity card. On his part, Pavel denied anyone was leaving these camps. “In fact, since the camps have a better life, free food and safety, more and more people living outside the camps are entering these camps,” he added.

However, sources said that after 5 pm when the international aid agencies and the officials left the refugee camps, maulanas and maulvis in the camps were found to be instigating the young men between 18-25 age group to take up arms and fight back in Myanmar for their rights. 17-year-old Rahim (name changed) confessed he has anger over what happened to his family and friends and he wants to take revenge. But he was quickly prompted by a Mudarris (a teacher in Madarsa) standing next to him not to speak such words and be careful. Rahim controlled his emotions and added that there is little he can do. Sources added that some Islamist NGOs were also found to be instigating these Rohingyas youngsters and were banned by the Bangladesh government.

The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, told The Pioneer that his Government is very cautious and vigilant. “We will not allow our soil to be used against anyone,” said Ali.

However, the fact cannot be denied that security issues will be a major challenge for Bangladesh Government. Alarmed by a possible armed revolution by these Rohingya refugees, the Indian security agencies have already upped vigilance on the Indian side of the border.