Crime, tensions in Rohingya camps only soaring

The killings of six Rohingyas in Moinarghona camp-18 madrasa in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya upazila in the dead of Friday night has added to our concerns over the safety of the refugees within the camps. After the brutal assassination of Mohib Ullah—a Rohingya refugee leader and a spokesperson for the dignified repatriation of his people—last month, the lack of security and the prevalence of threat from various armed groups within the camps caught the light of day. 

Though locals largely believe that members of the Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Army (ARSA), an insurgent group based in the northern Rakhine state of Myanmar, are behind the recent attacks, this cannot be confirmed until there is thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities. But what this attack does reveal is the failure of security forces within the camps to maintain safety and peace for the refugees. A report by this daily quotes an unnamed police official saying that at least 50 criminals stormed the madrasa carrying sharp weapons and firearms. Subsequently, six people were killed and eight others injured, with the attackers even opening fire at one point before leaving in small groups prior to police's arrival. Given that there are only three armed police battalions enforcing law and order in the camps housing over 10 lakh refugees, it is no wonder that such a catastrophe took place. 

But such attacks will only go on if immediate measures are not taken by authorities to give Rohingya refugees the sense of security they need. The foreign minister's suggestion for law enforcers to "open fire, if necessary" is not going to solve the problem and bring down tensions. There is a serious need to amp up security forces, in numbers and capabilities, and to identify groups within the camps who wish to cause such unrest. We would also urge the government to not only improve camp security, but to also protect and engage with Rohingya leaders—starting with those who sought protection after the killing of Mohib Ullah. Reducing hostility from armed groups must go hand-in-hand with reassuring Rohingya refugees so they can regain their sense of safety and community in the camps until repatriation is achieved.