Mogadishu (Sunatimes) Al-Shabaab militia group in Beledweyne town on Sunday made good of its threat by arrested 15 people for allegedly refusing to replace the non-Arabic signs on their shops.

Reports say rebel fighters were seen marking shops still bearing non-Arabic signs and ordered owners not to open them for three days.

On Thursday, Al-Shabaab banned non-Arabic signs on shops, ordering businesses and shop vendors in Hiran region to remove English and Somali posters and replace them with billboards in Arabic within three days.

Area militia leader, Yussuf Ali Ugas said defaulters will severely be punished, threatening an arrest and a fine of 100 U.S dollar.

Most of business owners have already scrapped off non-Arabic signs from their shop in accordance with the militia order.

The militia group has earlier this year issued similar orders in areas under its jurisdiction. It has also banned several subjects including Geography and History from being taught in schools.

Al-Shabaab leaders said education system in their areas of jurisdictions will be doctored inline with the Islamic teachings.

The militia has earlier in 2010 banned English and science studies in schools in the southern Afmadow town and ordered to switch the curriculum to accommodate Arabic and Islamic studies.

By Hawo Abdulle