09/05/2024
Rohingya Refugee News
Subscribe
Sign in
Read in the Substack app
Open app
Acknowledgment from Ko Ko Linn: Apprehending Rohingya Youth a Targeted Operation by RSO and ARA
Audio messages concerning RSO operations in the Rohingya camps.
SHAFIUR RAHMAN
MAY 09, 2024
Logos of Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (left) and Arakan Rohingya Army (right)
In recent WhatsApp messages, Ko Ko Linn, the leader of the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), openly acknowledges the targeted apprehension of Rohingya youth. This is a significant development, as it directly contradicts the organisation's previous vehement denials of forced recruitment practices. Previously, RSO has been adamant about its policy of voluntary enlistment, as evident from their public statement dismissing accusations of coercion as "baseless propaganda." They claimed that individuals join freely, driven by a strong sense of duty and loyalty, with a considerable number of youths reportedly eager to participate.
The WhatsApp messages attempt to mitigate fear within the community by claiming that these operations are strictly confined to individuals already involved with RSO and Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA). This assurance seems designed to maintain calm within the camps. However, the fact that RSO itself is having to apprehend their own members in the manner reported still indicates a practice of coercion and control that contradicts the group’s stated commitment to voluntary participation.
Ko Ko Linn’s insistence on the non-involvement of the general population or minors amongst his target contrasts with the widespread fear and the flight of Rohingya youths across many camps. One diaspora Rohingya refugee wishing to remain anonymous said “these messages are clearly a strategy of public relations damage control rather than what they are actually doing.”
Importantly, Ko Ko Linn also clarifies that only RSO and Abdul Halim’s ARA are involved in these actions, countering recent reports, such as one from Radio Free Asia which implicated another group, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). This correction is significant as it narrows down the accountability to these two groups. (See Audio 3)
Abul Halim of Arakan Rohingya Army
Additionally, Ko Ko Linn’s statements reveal a strong opposition towards the Arakan Army (AA), marking a significant change in the group's policy since the end of March (see my forthcoming interview with RSO). This change in stance is especially striking because of some reports that claim youths are being handed over to the AA, directly contradicting Ko Ko Linn's statements.
Such reports have fuelled speculation about the relationship dynamics between these groups and the potential use of coerced recruits to satisfy broader strategic objectives in the region’s complex conflict landscape.
Ko Ko Linn has strongly denied these practices and issued clear instructions to fight against what he calls “propaganda” from ARSA and the media.
This situation has certainly muddled public understanding of RSO’s actions and intentions. Not surprisingly, there are questions about the accuracy of the information these groups are disseminating and the real nature of their interactions with the AA.
Ko Ko Linn (Audio 1)
Translation: Be aware and inform people not to trust propaganda and prevent panic. Campaign to let everyone know and ensure no one is scared. Those spreading propaganda are aware of the ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and us, and they understand the challenges our community faces due to the Arakan Army's presence in Arakan. We will never betray our community by handing people over to the Arakan Army or the military junta. Thus, we must establish safe zones through our fight, where our parents can live without fear of harm. If we fail to achieve this, we will lose our country, and our community will disappear. Recognising this, we fight. The RSO also belongs to our community and is sacrificing for our parents and relatives. There's no need for panic or to flee. We will never force anyone, including the general public, to join us. We have announced that we will not recruit underage individuals, such as those aged 17 or 18. Spread the word about this, and let everyone in the community know. I trust you will do so.
Ko Ko Linn (Audio 2)
Translation: I'd like to inform our political wing that ARSA and its members are spreading propaganda through the media, scaring people by claiming that we are selling Rohingya youths to the Arakan Army for 2000 taka. As a result, I've had to engage with various government sectors, media outlets, and NGOs. I want to clarify that we are only apprehending our trained members from the camps; we are not arresting the general public. There's no need for the general public to be afraid or leave the camps. They can continue to reside in Madrasas and institutions without concern, as our operations target only our trained members, numbering between 6,000 to 7,000, not the general population. We are in contact with respected members of the community.
Ko Ko Linn (Audio 3)
Translation of 2:08 to 3:25: This audio is pretty much a repeat of Audio 1 and Audio 2. However between the above time codes, Ko Ko Linn says this:
We are just two revolutionary groups: one is us, and the other is Abdul Halim's group, ARA. We are only apprehending our trained members who are avoiding us, not others. If you find out that any civilians are captured, take necessary action or inform me directly. On the other hand, Abdul Halim and ARA are doing the same, only capturing their members who receive salaries from them. They are not oppressing others and are not arresting the general public. Always remember that we are working with members and Majhis because we are doing this for our community; otherwise, we will lose our country.
In the past, Foreign Minister A K Momen in 2020 stated that if Tom Andrews, the Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, could identify ARSA members in the refugee camps, they would detain them and return them to Myanmar. Now, Ko Ko Linn claims to have 6,000 - 7,000 trained personnel under his command. This raises several pressing questions: Where were these individuals trained? Did Bangladesh permit such activities within its borders? And now, faced with the revelation of these thousands of trained RSO members, what steps will Bangladesh take against RSO?
Share
Previous
Comments
Write a comment...
Top
Latest
Discussions
What's Happening in Arakan?
The Rohingya's Precarious Balancing Act
MAR 21 • SHAFIUR RAHMAN
7
3
Ko Ko Linn of RSO orders his followers to kill ARSA members
Ko Ko Linn, head of RSO's political wing, was recorded ordering the mass killing of ARSA members after the destruction of the Zero Point camp. Orders…
FEB 26, 2023 • SHAFIUR RAHMAN
8
16
UNHCR Delegation’s Engagement with Myanmar Military Raises Concerns
The UNHCR’s Logistical Support to the Junta
NOV 5, 2023 • SHAFIUR RAHMAN
9
See all
Ready for more?
Type your email...
Subscribe
© 2024 Shafiur Rahman
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start Writing
Get the app
Substack is the home for great culture
Audio messages concerning RSO operations in the Rohingya camps.
