An ultra- nationalist monk U Wirathu said he would donate food to Rakhine refugees in Maungtaw who came to northern Rakhine State Town from Bangladesh. U Wirathu made the pledge during his recent visit to Maungtaw. The monk arrived Sittwe on 3 May to begin his Rakhine state tour. He came to Maungtaw after visiting Ah Ngu Maw village in Rathetaung Township. He donated rice, cooking oil and dried fish to Rakhine villages. He promised more donations for Rakhine people. A local resident of Laung Done Rakhine village in Maungtaw said the monk has given encouragement to villagers to stay strong. He promise to help to resolve hardship people are facing. In the aftermath of genocide against Rohingya people in 2012, many Rakhine refugees came into Rakhine State from Bangladesh the houses of Muslim which were burned down in the violence incidents five years ago were allotted to those Rakhine refugees. The local authorities created livelihood opportunities for them as well. Also, 7 villages were established in Maungtaw where majority of people live are Muslims. The head of Maungtaw Region General Administration Department U Ye Htut was quoted as saying in 7 Day News published on 22 December that Buddhist Rakhine refugees would be accommodated in the new villages. Reference: Daily Eleven 5 May