Violence continues in Arakan up to now from today afternoon

By BRAT,

Rakhine people are entering into Rohingyan villages with security forces and shooting into houses. They shoot again if they saw residents fleeing and tourch fire the houses.

Insider Rohingya people are urgently needing help from their Rohingyans living in foreign countries to interfere by any mean because the government security forces are with Rakhine people and intl commnunities are not in position to involve such urgent matter.

Around 4pm, Rohingyan villagers from Rohingya-fara near the market were pulled out from homes and beaten, some women were raped, the mosque in the village was destroyed.

Now most of the villgers were shifted to Ambala fara. Rakhines people are shouting that they will soon clean this village too.

It is also confirmed that-

Around 4:00pm, security forces and Rakhine people are entered into Ambala village.

Around 3:pm, at least six Rohingyans shot dead and more than 50 Rohingyan villagers mostly from Saki-fara were taken away after they went out to stop firing houses near their villages.

After noon, Duamraung and Bumay villages including the mosque near Sittwe airport were burning.

In brief, the armed forces who are acting as security forces are sided with Rakhine people and explored more brutal violences against Rohingyans. Security armed forces involving Rakhine people are mainly committing in brutally shooting and killing, burning Rohingyan villages including religious building, destroying shop lots and looting goods and cash.

At the moment, at least 200 Rohingyans from Maungdaw alone and about 35 Rohingyans from Sittwe were shot dead by security forces and other about 50 Rohingyans were taken away are missing, many Rohingyan women were sexually abused, Rohingya houses in 30 villages from Maungdaw and Rohingya houses in six villages from Akyab were burn down by Rakhine people. Rohingyans those came out to stop buring down were shot to dead by security forces.

In other regions:

Pauktaw Rohingya villages, has been surrounded by Rakhine people from 9 June.

Rohingya villages of Mrauk-U township are underway to be attacked, while dozens of Rohingya were captured by the Rakhine and taken into missing.

Rohingya villages in Buthidaung township are under highly alert, while the authorities are seizing all kinds of metal knives and etc.

Some villages in Rathedaung were set fire, while the rests are in serious fears.

In Kyauktaw township, Curfew imposed on the Rohingya villagers, asking to stop going out of villages and even from the houses. Dozen of Rohingya youths were taken by authority and not yet return.

Causalities are yet to be escalated from these regions due to no communication available.

Non-stop brutal violences taking place against Rohingyans: Urgent intervention require in Arakan

Press release by NDPHR(exile),

There are on going communal violences growing day to day in inside Arakan/Rakhine state from the day of 3rd June- where 10 muslims massacred in Taungup township. The armed forces who are acting as security forces are sided with Rakhine people and explored more brutal violences against Rohingyans.

The government does not show any sign to stop on going crimes committing by Rakhine people therefore there is in need of international intervention, urgently. Today around 9am, the government ordered to leave all NGOs from northern Arakan state..

In brief up to afternoon of today 10 June, at least 200 Rohingyans from Maungdaw and about 30 Rohingyans from Sittwe were shot dead by security forces and other about 50 Rohingyans taken away are missing, Rohingya houses in 30 villages from Maungdaw and Rohingya houses in six villages from Akyab were burn down by Rakhine people. Rohingyans those came out to stop fire were shot dead by security forces. Beside, thousands of Rohingyans homeless and displaced and facing shortage of foods and those injuries are with lack of medic care.

In Akyab/Sittwe city, there are Duamraung and Bumay villages including the mosque near Sittwe airport are still burning. At early morning 4:00am of today, Harzamya village was burnt down, at least 13 Rohingyas were shot dead by Police and Paramilitary Forces, 4 injured. 

At around 09:15 am, Police Officer Than Htin killed innocent one Rohingya girl (Ramzaan- 12yrs ) Rohingya boy (Name –Abdu Rahaman-10yrs )  and her brother injured. Dead body was taken by Paramilitary Forces.

From yesterday evening, Rakhine people started gangly attacking of Rohingyan villagers and setting fire of their villages after security forces shot fire into the houses.

From last night to today early morning, at least dozen of Rohingyans were killed and 30 other were taken away. Arzimya, Nadikya villages were burnt down into ashes.

In Bumay village, under the guide of Rakhine people the police shot dead five Rohingyans during they went into the houses to those Rakhine set fire to go there in order to stop the fire there.

Rakhine people are still rounding with lethal knives and chanting with loud speakers- "terminate kala", "kala-kala.. kill-kill" ('Kala' is a racial slur word used to call Rohingya by Rakhine). Several other Rohingyan houses including houses from Kondan-ward were set on fire. It is also confirmed that Rakhine people those came to set fire were entering wearing muslim religious dresses. The local authorities plus police forces are encouraging the Rakhine to eliminate the Rohingyas and set fire at houses.

Again early morning today, a group of Rakhine tried to burn Nazi Village but it was stopped by Rohingyan villagers

On previous night of 4 June, A large group of Rakhine people marched to attack the ancient Foktoli mosque and village of Nazi. But it was broke away by security forces after Rohingya villagers came out to resist them.

In Maungdaw township from Friday afternoon, 8 June. Security armed forces involving Rakhine people are acting mainly in shooting and killing of at least 200 Rohingyans and taking away the bodies, burning down 30 Rohingyan villages including religious building, destroying shop lots and looting goods and cash.

NDPHR would like to raise with some escalated the following reports ;

From Friday at about 2:00pm, 8th of June, the riot police fired more than 40 rounds at about 500 Rohingya peaceful prayers who are going to demonstrate peacefully in Myoma Kayandan village of Maungdaw Town to give the respect to the massacred 10- Muslim in Taungup on June 3. That killed at least two Rohingyas, several other injuries and some houses are burning at the this moment.

Beside, the main central mosque and prayers were attacked by Rakhine people in the presence of riot police. That created furious tension and followed attacking each other.

Early morning of 9 June, military forces entered into Hunri-para and shot at Rohyingyas . At least 5 persons death and the bodies were lifted by truck.

Again afternoon, after military guarded Narittardil(ward-5), Rakhine brunt down the mosque.

On the following day the following religious buildings have been torched to burn down; 1)Morcos mosque of Sikdarpara, 2)Noapara mosque, 3)Sambanna and Sarkumbo mosques of Ali Thangyaw.

At midnight of 8 June, the Hlun Htein forces from Ngakura village accompanied by the extremists from the Rakhine village of San Oo Rwa (Hatipra) attacked the Rohingya villagers of the same village, killing one person injuring 3 others. The dead body was carried away by the killers.

In many villages, security forces corporately with Rakhine people fired to the Muslim houses. When the inmates left their homes the Rakhine set fire. The villages of Hatalia, Sommonia, Razarbil, Kayandan and San Oo are among those which were also attacked.

From 9 June, the Buddhist monks and Rakhine extremists escorted by security forces were announcing 'War on Kalas, (war on Rohingyas) along the street of Maungdaw. This message was spread like a wild fire all over Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.

The villagers also confirmed that many security forces dressed in civil clothes but with arms are firing at the Rohingyas.

( Rohingya houses burning in a village in Maungdaw)

Despite government authority had mutually approached on following protest near Sulay of Yangon, similar approach was not delivered in Arakan state. In Arakn, the armed forces were sided with Rakhine people and explored more brutal violences against Rohingyans. They also set fire a few Rakhine houses in order to tarnish Rohingyan people' image.

It's learnt from the beginning that despite Rohingyan villagers both in Maungdaw and Sittwe are confined within their villages under Curfew order, security forces are shooting at Rohingya villagers with cool blood and Rakhine people are still allowed to attack Rohingyans and to fire houses, to loot goods and cash in the present of security forces.

The due course of pending action against the mass killing of 10 Muslims in Taungup, is also a part of continuing tension between Rakhine and Rohingya communities. While authority has not yet arrested those terror Rakhine people.

All of such violence are direct result from the subject of Arakanese Rohingya Muslims are not entitled to be citizenship under new citizenship law-1982 based on the changes of Rakhine state from Arakan state in 1974. So, Rohingya people have to face oppressions in common and brutal attacks periodically and occasionally.

The mass killing of 10 Muslims by 300 Rakhine people in Taungkup on the 3rd of June, was one of the shock wave of their intentional desires of Rakhine people. For Rakhine people, it was a part of fulfilling to the chapter of muslim-free-zones defined from 1983 which consists Gwa, Taungup, Tandwe and Ponnagyuan townships. There were several hundreds of Rohingyans were killed in similar way in these regions and such crime will be carried on until the government implement such draconian act.

200 Rohingyas were killed and 30 villages burnt including five mosques in Maungdaw, Northern Arakan of Burma

Source from CNN http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-801170 

8th June 2012
After Friday congregation, at about 2 pm. while a group of Muslims were trying to join a payer at Kayandan Islamic propagation centre (Tabligh Centre) for those 10 Muslims who were murdered by Rakhine extremists at Taunggup on 3 June 2011, the security forces tried to stop them and then started firing at the crowd killing at least two people and injuring many others.

At 2:30 p.m. two young Rohingyas who were returning home after Friday prayer from Maungdaw Central Mosque were seriously beaten by police. One of them whose hand was broken was released after sometime while the other who received head injury was still in police custody. His condition is still unknown.

(the dead body of Rohingya)

9 June 2012:

Armed security forces with Rakhine extremist equipped with lethal arms were roaming Maungdaw towns and surrounding villages. This morning 4 Rohingyas were carried away from Fayazi village of Maungdaw. Their whereabouts is known.

According to a report, “Nasaka security forces and police are the killers. The Rakhine extremists joined them and reining hell on Rohingya. Because of the curfew no one dares to go out, and at the absence of witness Rakhine extremists set fire on houses, village after village. If anyone comes out from the fire, he/she gets a bullet or two or more. No witness, no proof. Natala villagers and Rakhine extremists have been supplied guns as well, but no one may prove it. In the mean time, racist monks are busy with media supplying fabricated news. These tragic events have been well planned in advance.”
At midnight (8/6/12) the Hlun Htein forces from Ngakura village accompanied by the extremists from the Rakhine village of San Oo Rwa (Hatipra) attacked the Rohingya villagers of the same village killing one person injuring 3 others. The dead body was carried away by the killers.

Last night groups of armed forces with Buddhist Rakhine extremists went to the Rohingya villages. They opened fire to the Muslim houses. When the inmates left their homes the Rakhine extremists set on fire. Many houses in several villagers have been reported burnt into ashes. Many people were killed and several others injured. The villages of Hatalia, Sommonia, Razarbil, Kayandan and San Oo are among those which were attacked.

Since yesterday the Buddhist monks and Rakhine extremists escorted by security forces were announcing ‘War on Kalas, (war on Rohingyas) along the street of Maungdaw. This message was spread like a wild fire all over Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.
Many security forces dressed in civil clothes but with arms are firing the Rohingyas.

An estimated 100 Rohingyas were killed. As dead bodies were not handed over to the relatives or villagers. Exact number of death could not be confirmed. Some estimate that the number of death could exceed 200 Rohingyas.
Hundreds of injured Rohingyas are lack of treatment. Thousands of people were deprived of food and water as Police, military, and Hlon Htin block them.
At about 12: 25 P.M. Deputy Home Minister accompanied by U Aung Zaw Win (USDP- MP) arrived at Maungdaw. They are reportedly discussing with local leaders on the situation. The details of the discussion are still not known.

 .........................

Peaceful demonstration in Maungdaw, several Rohingya killed, many severely injuredReported by BRAT 

In relation to the massacre of 10 Muslim pilgrims in Taung-goup on 3rd June, Rohingya in Maugdaw held a special prayer for their departed souls, and later they staged a peaceful demonstration on June 8th. 

Local Rakhine-mogh provoked the demonstrators with verbal abuse using racial slur “Ku-lar” and  swearing. Soon, security forces started firing into the air as a warning, and shortly after, firing aim turned to the crowd. Two young men died on the spot while a dozen or more severely injured.

(security forces)

Starting from the evening, the authority imposed curfew in Maungdaw from 6:00pm to 6:00am under the resolution 144. This biased resolution has been imposed on Rohingya only so that Rakhine-mogh can go out freely to loot and destroy the properties belongs Rohigya.

Local Rakhine-moghs join the security forces, Nasaka, Hlun-tin and police to rampage Rohingya. Within the curfew period, while Rohingya are inside their houses, security forces and Rakhine-mogh set fire on houses from Ward to Ward and village to village. Whenever people run out of houses that are on fire, they are being shot, and if dead, carried away by trucks of security. An unknown number Rohingya have been burnt inside the houses.  Therefore, there’s no way to concretely say how many people are being killed in that way.

(houses burning in the present of security forces)

So far escalated a few names of Rohingyans identities are as follow:
Two people from Khasar Bil, age 25 and 27
Two boys from Khainda Fara, age 10 and 12
Two people from Hati Fara: Molvi Mohammed Salim s/o Lalu, age 29, and
Mohamed Zubair  s/o Mustak, age 35

In Ward- 5, near the old jail, security forces along with Rakhine-mogh killed 2 Rohinygas at around 9:15pm. They are Mohammed Rafique s/o Mohammed Yousuf age 25 from Bomu Para and Molvi Habib Ullah age 42 from Khazir Bil.

(the whole Rohingya villages buring down)
At least one Mosque at Ward -5 and the house of former NDPHR MP Faisal is confirmed burnt.
Three houses of Razak, Lalu and a firewood trader, were set on fire in Ward-5 at about 4:00 pm by Rakhine-mogh in the present of security forces.  When Rohingya rushed to the spot, the security force barred them by shooting.

You may find a few pictures of burning houses that belong to Rohingya and scenes of Rohingya running in dismay. Houses are set on fire in many villages and there’s no way to estimate as the curfew order is in effect on Rohingya. In the meantime, Rakhine-mogh have been looting and destroying the properties of Rohingya with the help of security forces. This appears to be a coordinated assault planned in advance by the State Government in consultation with the Federal government.

At night’s fall, people are scared but nowhere to take shelter. Many Rohingya are already homeless and running aimlessly seeking for protection, unfortunately, the government that was supposed to protect them is hunting them.

In Akyab/Sittwe city of Arakan, it's just came to know that many people in Nazi Fara, Akyab, have been attacked and killed by Rakhine-mogh backed by the security forces. Many houses are set on fire and Rohingya are killed. Shafi was attacked and houses near there were burnt down. All the telecommunication with Akyab has been cut off.
On the night of 4 June, a large group of  Rakhine people approached to destroyed an ancient Foktoli mosque of Nazi villages but it was broke away by security forces after Rohingyan villagers came out to confront with them.

In the meantime, fabricated news is publicized widely by the State Controled Media, and the media around world copied them and re-circulated. Please take a note that the reality is the complete opposite of what has been taking place in Arakan.

Four people killed in Myanmar religious clashes

Comment by BRAT:

 

First we would like to clarify that the lands of those 14 Rakhines villages located in Maungdaw are belong to native Rohingya people and they were built under the military government's model village settlement program from later of 1991. Plus, these Rakhine people had looted goods, animals and farming lands from native Rohingya villagers.

 

In deed, in the beginning the roit was staged by a group of Rakhine people by attacking the prayers in the present of police deployment at the main mosque. 

During the first day, causalities and impacts from both sides were parallel. At least four persons were died from each side.

But soon after authority restored curfew, some anger Rakhine people were intentionally involved in attacking against Rohingyans and set fire at Rohingya houses including a few Rakhine houses, in regard to prove that these houses were burnt down by Rohingyans.

 

According to tele conversation with Maungdaw today 9 June, early morning, Military forces arrived with trucks and entered into Hunri-fara and shot at the Rohyingyan villagers without warning. At least 5 persons were shot death and the dead bodies were loaded to truck.

Again in the afternoon, military forces followed by by Rakhine people arrived and surrounded the Narittarbil(ward-5) and the follower Rakhines brunt down the Mousque.

 

BROUK confirmed that during mid-night, the Hlun Htein forces of Ngakura village accompanied by Rakhine villagers of San Oo Rwa(Hatipra) attacked the same villager Rohingyans and killing one Rohingya and injuring 3 others. The dead body was carried away by the killers.
 
Last night, groups of armed forces with Buddhist Rakhine extremists went to the Rohingya villages. They opened fire to the Muslim houses. When the inmates left their homes the Rakhine extremists set on fire. Many houses in several villagers have been reported burnt into ashes. Many people were killed and several others injured. The villages of Hatalia, Sommonia, Razarbil, Kayandan and San Oo are among those which were attacked.
 
Since yesterday, the Buddhist monks and Rakhine extremists escorted by security forces were announcing 'War on Kalas, (war on Rohingyas) along the street of Maungdaw. This message was spread like a wild fire all over Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.
 
Many security forces dressed in civil clothes but with arms are firing the Rohingyas.   
 
An estimated 100 Rohingyas were killed. As dead bodies were not handed over to the relatives or villagers. Exact number of death could not be confirmed. Some estimate that the number of death could exceed 200 Rohingyas. 

Hundreds of injured Rohingyas are lack of treatment. Thousands of people were deprived of food and water as Police, military, and Hlon Htin block them.
 
At about 12: 25 P.M. Deputy Home Minister accompanied by U Aung Zaw Win (USDP- MP) arrived at Maungdaw. They are reportedly discussing with local leaders on the situation. The details of the discussion are still not known. But Rakhine people were separated to 4-mile area.

 

..........................................

 

The below report is based on one side and not cover the accurate story. However, BRAT posted it here as a part of unrest situation in Maungdaw.

 

Four people killed in Myanmar religious clashes

Source from India.nydailynews, 8 June 2012

Four people died in religious clashes after angry Muslims set fire to Buddhist villages in Rakhine state. A curfew was implemented in the affected areas.

Four people were killed on Friday in religious clashes in western Myanmar, where police opened fire and the authorities declared a curfew to tackle the escalating unrest, officials said.

The latest victims are believed to have been killed by angry Muslims who torched Buddhist villages in Rakhine state along the Bay of Bengal.

"They were attacked with knives. A 65-year-old man was killed on the spot. The other three died in hospital as they were seriously injured. Those who were killed are Buddhists," a government official who did not want to be named said.

State television announced late Friday a night-time curfew in the unrest-hit areas, home to large numbers of Rohingya, a Muslim group described by the United Nations as one of the world's most persecuted minorities.

Tensions have flared in Rakhine since 10 Muslims on a bus were killed by an angry Buddhist mob on Sunday who believed mistakenly that the perpetrators of the recent rape and murder of a Rakhine woman were onboard.

 

Earlier Friday a different official said police in Rakhine had opened fire in an attempt to quell religious tensions in a town dominated by the stateless Rohingya.

"Police opened fire in Maungdaw in Rakhine state. There are no casualties," the official said.

Religious clashes occur periodically in Myanmar, and Rakhine state -- which has a large Muslim minority population -- is a flashpoint for tensions.

Buddhists make up some 89 percent of the population of Myanmar, with Muslims officially representing four percent.

The violence threatens to overshadow reconciliation efforts since a series of dramatic political reforms following the end of almost half a century of military rule last year.

One of the officials said police were deployed in Maungdaw on Friday after about 300 people returning from mosques threw stones at a government office, police station and local businesses.

Police were also deployed in more than a dozen Buddhist Rakhine villages as houses were set on fire.

The authorities this week warned against "anarchic acts" after the mob killings and an attack on a police station by an angry crowd in Sittwe.

In Myanmar's main city Yangon, dozens of Muslims protested on Tuesday calling for justice over the recent killings.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, which also has a large Rohingya population, officials said the Border Guard on Wednesday arrested one Rohingya man on charges of carrying illegal arms as he tried to cross into Myanmar.

Local police chief Supon Mojumder told AFP that Sirajul Islam, aged around 30, was found in possession of a locally made gun and seven rounds of bullets.

"The dismantled gun was found in a bag in his possession," he said, adding that Islam lived in an unregistered refugee camp.

In a rare public response to civil unrest, the Myanmar government said Thursday it had established a committee to investigate the sectarian strife and expected to hear its findings by the end of June.

With fears of further violence growing, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday urged the nation's Buddhist population to show "sympathy" with minorities following the Rakhine killings.

Riots occur in Maungtaw of Rakhine State: Curfew imposed to restore peace and tranquility of community after controlling all situations

Source from New Light of Myanmar, 8 June 2012

Riots occur in Maungtaw of Rakhine State Curfew imposed to restore peace and tranquility of community after controlling all situations NAY PYI TAW, 8 June-The government is building the country to be a peaceful, modern and developed one in line with the democratic practices, while placing more emphasis on ensuring peace and stability and the rule of law. At present, there occur unrests in Rakhine State that can harm peace and stability. As of this afternoon, rioters have destroyed houses, shops and guest houses and committed killings. Due to the violent acts and riots, Section (144) has been issued in Maungtaw and Buthidaung townships for ensuring peace and stability and prevalence of law and order. At about 1pm, over1000 rioters destroyed roof of penthouse of Kanbawza Bank and threw stones at United guest house and a house. At about 2 pm, they also set fire to six shops in Thazin guest house and restaurants in the front of Thirimingalar Hall. After that, the fire spread to ward-4 between clock tower and hospital and destroyed 15 houses. In addition, they also set fire to two houses in MyoU ward and Khayaymyaing village in Duchiyardan village-tract on Maungtaw-Alethankyaw motor road. In the evening, about 20 rioters stormed Maungtaw People's Hospital and disrupted people in the hospital. So, health staff went into hiding. They continued to destroy two houses in Myoma east ward in front of the hospital, and people had to go into hiding. Due to the attacks of the rioters, Dr Khin Maung Lat aged 63; Daw Than Yi aged 57; U Kyaw Hla, 78 and U Thein Zaw, 36 got injured. And U Hla Maung, aged 65 was dead. During the violent attacks, local police battalion and police force tried to control the situation, putting out fires and safeguarding the security of local people. Head of border area immigration inspection headquarters is keeping close supervision on the case. Section-144 is issued in Maungtaw and Buthidaung Township to control the situations and restore peace and stability as these riots can harm peace and stability and prevalence of law and order.

 

Related news at- All Myanmar Islam Association issues statement of its stance- http://www.myanmar.com/newspaper/nlm/index.html

Note: Burmese Newspapers do not cover accurate story nor causalities of Rohingya that include two Rohingyans shot dead by police.

Peaceful demonstration in Maungdaw: police killed two Rohingyans

by BRAT,  08 June 2012
Maungdaw, Arakan State: The riot police fired on more than 500 young Rohingyas who are going to demonstrate peacefully in Myoma Kayandan village of Maungdaw Town today at about 2:00pm to give the respect to the massacred 10- Muslim in Taungup on June 3.

The riot police fired more than 40 rounds to the sky where two young Rohingyas died on the spot, some people injured and some houses are burning at this moment.

The Rakhine surrounded the police station now and demanding, why the police fired to the young Rohingyas to death which will harm safety of the Rakhine community in Maungdaw.

More clashes can be occurred among authority, Rakhine and Rohingya..

Detail news will come soon.

A Rohingya Woman from Nyaung Chaung village was raped by NASAKA forces

Source from Kaladan Press, 7 June 2012

In accord to a villager from Nyaung Chaung village, Buthiduaung Township, a woman namely Hamida the daughter of Abdul Gani was jointly raped by the Nasaka forces.

Ms. Hamida, guessed her age about 29-30 years and together with five females and a male were retuning back from Maungdaw Township to her Anuak Pyin village, Rathedaung Township after having their social visit to their relatives in Maung Daw Township.

She was raped by the Nasaka forces at Thein Taung Pyin village while she stopped there which is enroute to her native Anuak Pyin village, Rathedaung Township on 29 May. After Ms. Hameda who was being raped by the Nasaka forces, and in the next morning, she has complained the case to the people parliament of Buthidaung Township and later on the parliamentarian brought the case to the high ranking official (Deputy BIHQ director)
of Border Immigration director, Police officer in Rakhine State and the concerning responsible regional authorities of Rakhine State.

According to a reliable information from the related village, the Deputy BIHQ director got attention to the complaint made by the people parliament and the Deputy had visited the Nasaka station (26) and thoroughly investigated the case filing against concerned culprits and the related nearby village head
administrators at Nasaka transit location in Buthidaung Township.  

 

As per the direction of the local authorities, to expose the raped crime exactly and as a further evident requirement from the victim,
hospital authority from Buthidaung Township seized the necessary test conduct. Date on first June and second June, the Border Immigration Head
Quarter Director and Tactical Commander and the Regiment Commander from (378) inquired the case at
Transit Station in Buthidaung respectively.

In this connection, the concerned authorities and the state level central authorities are seriously needed to bring the raped offenders to the justice to show the civilians the enforcement of law and order and the restoration of peace, security and justice regardless of race, religion, language, color and custom.

 

The current situation throughout Rakhine state has been very in the condition of insecurity created by the
Rakhine chauvinistic activities recently happened in Taunggoop Township which are headed By Rakhine National Democratic Party. The RNDP' s most wanted aspiration is to come out the communal activities related to riots between Rakhine and Rohingya and and then those spreading out intentionally as the like forest fire in nationwide.

Non bias position by the relevant judges in related cases will make real satisfaction to the being foiled partners and the true judgment by all concerned combined authentic rationalization will please the village- track people who will maintain the peace and stability of the nation.

To make peace and stability of the nation, every judgment made by the decision makers or the relevant authorities should be bias less and the well-timed enforcement of law and order in turmoil localities ( NRS) by the security forces should be alert to safeguard the national people.

Govt sets up committee to investigate mob attack

Source from DVB, 7 June 2012

Rohingya people gather at a local mosque before the Friday prayers in a village north of the town of Sittwe (Reuters)

 

The government has formed a committee to investigate the deaths of ten Muslim pilgrims killed in a vicious mob attack on Sunday after religious friction in Burma's Arakan state draws widespread condemnation.

"The Government is now marching towards a new democratic society making political and economic reforms in the country," said the front page of Thursday's New Light of Myanmar. "At the same time, it is also educating the people step by step to observe the democratic practices."

"There occurred organised lawless and anarchic acts that can harm peace, stability and rule of law in Rakhine [Arakan] State in May and June. [An] investigation committee [has been] formed to expose the truth and take legal actions."

 

The 16 member committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister Ministry of Home Affairs Kyaw Zan Myint, will present its findings to President Thein Sein by 30 June.

The announcement comes one day after the government was forced to print a retraction for referring to the victims as "kalar" – a racial slur for Muslims or persons of Indian appearance – in their official appeal for calm after the violence.

Religious tensions have flared in Arakan state after three Muslim men were accused of the gang rape and murder of an ethnic Rakhine girl. It culminated in a bloody massacre on Sunday, when an angry mob set upon a bus filled with Muslim pilgrims and beat ten of them to death before setting the vehicle ablaze and defiling their corpses.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups. Yesterday, democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi called for the perpetrators to be held to account in accordance with the rule of law. She added that "the majority of the people in a society should have sympathy for the minority."

Dozens of people rallied in Rangoon earlier this week to protest anti-Muslim violence and accused the government of fanning the flames of sectarian tensions.

Calling for a fair and open investigation, Aye Maung, an upper house parliamentarian for Rakhine State, said it was "important to let the public know the truth".

"I want them to investigate the issues fairly and in accord with international standards on the fundamental rights of the citizens," he told AFP.

URGENT APPEAL FOR PROTECTION OF ROHINGYA IN ARAKAN STATE, BURMA

Press statement by MERHROM on 6th June 2012

URGENTAPPEL FOR PROTECTION OF ROHINGYA IN ARAKAN STATE, BURMA

AMASSACRE OF 8 ROHINGYA MUSLIM PILGRIM

MyanmarEthnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM) seriously condemn a massacre of 8 Rohingya Muslim pilgrims in TaungupTownship in southern Arakan State, Burma on 3rdJune 2012 at about 3:00pm by an organized terrorist gang of Buddhist Rakhines. A massacre cannot be accepted at all especially at this time where the world are watching Burma for the political change that will take place in Burma. A massacre is a gross human rights violation and is a bad sign for the development of democracy in Burma and the security of Rohingya Muslim in Arakan State and around Burma.

The victims were Muslim pilgrims (religious persons) returning to Rangoon in a bus after completing of their spiritual service at Thetsa Masjid of Thandwe, southern Arakan on June 3, 2012. Rakhine terrorists set upon it and massacred 8 Muslim pilgrims along with one escort and one helper. The culprits werecelebrating triumph spitting and tossing the wine and alcohol on the dead bodies lying on the road."

The gang of Rakhine terrorists stopped the bus -7 (Ga) 7868- at junctionof Immigration gate where the terrorists Rakhine called "come down all, if there is Kala" with holding lethal weapons where the escortand helper requested to the terrorists Rakhine not to do any harm tothe passengers. But, the terrorists forced to get in bus and shoutedthat there is Kala. Then they started to beat the 8 Muslim pilgrims and dragged the Muslim from bus to the road where more than 300 organized terrorists gang of Buddhist Rakhines had beaten the Muslim until the dead," according to elder from the Taungup.

Thebus – Yoma Thettha -was owned by a Muslim and the terrorists Rakhine destroyed the bus and it has been standing still at the gate of Immigration where no authorities came out to the spot to stop the massacre."

Weare very sad and frustrated over this incident as this shows the situation of Stateless Rohingya Muslim in Arakan State did not change at all. After the Parliamentary Election in Burma, we hope the situation and the future of Rohingyas will change but unfortunately the hope remain. 

Thisis not the first incident where the Rohingyas has been attacked bythe Rakhines. Back in 1942-1948 there was a mass massacre towards Rohingyas Muslim in Arakan State committed by Rakhines Buddist.Thousands of Rohingyas Muslims were killed. There is no action taken by the ruling government. In 1978 during the Nagamin Checking, Junta together with Rakhines Buddhist checked the background of Rohingyas Muslim in Arakan State. Many Rohingyas were killed but we do not know the figure. Many Rohingyas were arrested, killed, cross the border and fled the country. In 2010, Rakhines Buddhist burnt the houses ofRohingya Muslims in Kyaw Thaw Town. Many Rohingyas were injured and lost their houses and property.

In recent months anti-Rohingya propagandas have been carried out by Rakhine extremists and xenophobes inside and outside of Burma harping on the old tune, "Rohingya is not a nationality in Burma, they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh" with intent to exterminate the multimately. Surprisingly these organized efforts have been carriedout in line with the recent statements of some responsible ministers and authorities of the U Thein Sein government. Nevertheless, the rejection of Rohingya coupled with continued persecution and 'Rakhine terrorism' against them indicates the early sign of genocide in Arakan, according to the eight Rohingya organizations' statement.

We were very sad and worried this bloody incident involving Rohingyas and Rakhinesare happening again and again. At the moment the situation is very tensed and dangerous. We are worried if its turn to riot  and claims more lives. Many people have to flee the country and it will increase the number of Refugees in Asean region.

Therefore we urged the United Nations Security Council, World Leaders, Asean Countries Leaders and the International Communities to:

-pressure the Junta to control the situation  and stop the massacre
-pressure the Junta to recognize Rohingya Muslim as citizen of Burma
-urgently pressure the Junta to protect the Rohingyas in Arakan State and assured their security and safety at all time.
-visit Arakan State to access the situation and do the necessary action against the perpetrators
-closely monitor human rights violations in Burma and take the necessary measures to eliminate the rights violations
-to increase their genuine effort to stop the crimes against humanity towards the people of Burma and bring democracy to Burma .

 

Thankyou.

Yours sincerely,

 

Zafar Ahmad

President of Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organization Malaysia(MERHROM)

Tel:6016-6827287

Email:rights4rohingya@yahoo.co.uk

Blog:http://www.merhrom.wordpress.com

Daw Suu Spoke-out: State media issues correction after publishing racial slur

Source form DVB, 6 June 2012

Aung San Suu Kyi talks to Burmese Muslims leaders at the National League for Democracy head office in Rangoon on 6 June 2012. (Reuters)

Burmese state media has issued a retraction for the use of racially offensive language in its official appeal for calm after sectarian violence saw ten Muslims brutally killed by an angry mob on Sunday in Arakan state.

A government statement published in the New Light of Myanmar on Tuesday warned against "anarchic and lawless" acts, but attracted a virulent backlash for referring to the victims as "kalar" – a racial slur for Muslims or persons of Indian appearance.

In a correction published today, the government paper urged readers to refer to the victims as "Islamic residents".

Dozens of people took to the streets in Rangoon yesterday to protest growing anti-Muslim violence and accused the government of fanning the flames of sectarian tensions. Political leaders and civil society groups appealed for calm and called on the government to issue an apology.

"The newspapers should not stoke this conflict. Are they trying to suggest that one race is more violent than others?" said ethnic Arakanese MP Aye Maung from the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party.

Religious tensions have flared in Arakan state after three Muslim men were accused of the gang rape and murder of an ethnic Rakhine girl. It culminated in a bloody massacre on Sunday, when an angry mob set upon a bus filled with Muslim pilgrims and beat ten of them to death before setting the vehicle ablaze and defiling their corpses.

The violence has once again brought to the fore allegations of entrenched racism in Burmese society, particularly targeted against Muslims and the much-persecuted Rohingya minority group – dismissed as "illegal Bengali immigrants" by the government.

Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi today finally threw her voice into the debate, calling for the perpetrators to be held to account in accordance with the rule of law. She added that "the majority of the people in a society should have sympathy for the minority."

"Maybe some people wouldn't like me saying this but I have to say what I must say regardless of whether they like it or not. When you are the majority in a society, then you are the strong party. If you are strong then you must be generous and sympathetic. I would like to see all people in Burma get along with each other regardless of their religion and ethnicity."

In the past, Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy has carefully steered clear of discussing Burma's Muslim minority, especially the Rohingya, which is seen a hot-button political issue that risks alienating many of its supporters.

A joint statement issued by several Rohingya and human rights groups on Monday also called for religious tolerance and reconciliation.

"The government is fully responsible for the law and order situation in the whole country. It should not make the Muslims scapegoats, but it has full responsibility to protect the rights, honour and dignity of all citizens," they said.

Following attack, Muslims demonstrate in Rangoon

Source from DVB, 5 June 2012

Injured people are treated in Sittwe General Hospital in Sittwe late on 3 June 2012. Ten people were shot and wounded in Sittwe, the Rakhine capital when riot police tried to break up a protest. The rally by about 200 people was unrelated to the attack on the bus. (Reuters)

Tensions are on the rise in Burma after a sectarian attack left ten people dead in Arakan state on Sunday.

Muslims rallied in Rangoon today as state media outlets issued reports asking for calm as the government investigates the bloody episode.

“At present, a law has been enacted for peaceful gathering and procession for the sake of democratic and human rights," said an article in the New Light of Myanmar's English edition.

"Nonetheless, such anarchic and lawless organized acts are totally unacceptable."

On Sunday in Arakan state's Taunggup township hundreds of people pulled ten individuals off a bus filled with Muslim pilgrims and proceed to beat them to death. The bus was then set ablaze as members of the mob urinated on the victims.

The attack was sparked by an incident in May when three men, two of which were allegedly Muslim, raped and murdered an Arakanese woman.

The Voice journal posted pictures of the today's rally in Rangoon, where comments took a virulent Islamophobic turn as some users issued slurs and threats towards the country's Muslim community on the publication's Facebook page.

"Feed them a pig's d***," commented one user on a photo posted on The Voice's Facebook page.

"We should either kill all the Kalars in Burma or banish them, otherwise Buddhism will cease to exist," said another user.

"Kalar" is used to describe perceived outsiders within the country, especially individuals with dark skin, but the term often carries a pejorative tone. In the Burmese edition of the New Light of Myanmar today, the victims of the sectarian attack were referred to as "Kalar" instead of Muslims.

Gruesome photographs of the victims of the attack have also begun circulating on the web and have attracted their fair share of negative comments as well.

A joint statement was by published several Rohingya and human rights organisations yesterday in response to the violent episode.

"The government is fully responsible for the law and order situation in the whole country. It should not make the Muslims scapegoats, but it has full responsibility to protect the rights, honour and dignity of all citizens," read the statement.

The 88 Generation Student group issued as similar statement asking the government and civil society groups to help stop the spread of violence.

"Our Union of Burma has been a country where people of various ethnic, religion and cultures have been living together peacefully since ancient times," said the statement.

"So we would like to call on leaders of concerned religions, political parties, civil society groups and government departments to help mediate the situation to end the religious, racial riots and to allow every citizen to live peacefully in harmony."

Arakan state historically has been home to racial and religious tensions, much of which is directed at the area's Muslim population including the Rohnigya ethnic group.

Gov't calls for calm after western Myanmar clashes

Note by BRAT:

Yesterday evening, Arakan state high  ranking authorities held a meeting  with both side of leaders in Sittwe City Hall and advised to halt further confrontation. The authorities conformed it will bring  into account for those 10 Burmese Muslims brutally killed in Taungup by Rakhine terrorist gang.

However, from the past three days villagers are awaked every night to check Rakhine people' aggression. Authorities also confine Rohingya villagers within the villages and patrol at least two hours during the night. Ironically, the authorities did not impose any restriction against aggressor Rakhine people and patrolling is not operating 24 hours therefore there is still possible attacks by Rakhine people.

On last Monday night, thousand of Rakhine people plus some monks  approached Nazi village and tried to destruct ancient  Foktoli Mosque and attacked some villages. But it was broke away by government armed forces after Rohingya villagers coming out to protect the village and mosque..

There are still on going harassment and furious tension in Tandwe, Kyawnimaw, Mrauk Oo and Kyauktaw where muslims are very minority.

 

Radical Rakhine people became more stronger since  members of Arakan Liberation Party entered into the state. Historically, it's being Rakhine people' nature that they are just awaited to attack against Rohingya in every possible occasion.

Now, their racial hatre explore upon even other Burmese muslims  despite the past massacre pogroms in 1942, 1949 and collaboration with government operations in 1968/78, 1978 and later of 1991 were took place only against Rohingya community. 

.........................................

Gov't calls for calm after western Myanmar clashes
Source from AP, 4 June 2012

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar's government warned against "anarchic" activities Monday after 10 Muslims were beaten to death in an area known for sectarian conflict and a dozen other people were injured in a confrontation with police.

Both events took place Sunday in Rakhine state in northwestern Myanmar, a remote area where Buddhist and Muslim relations are strained, sometimes to the point of violence. State television warned that legal action will be taken against those who broke the law.
The report said 300 people stopped a bus carrying Muslims from a religious gathering, dragged out the 10 occupants, beat them to death and burned the vehicle in Taunggup, 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Yangon.

It said some anti-Muslim pamphlets had been distributed in Taunggup relating to the rape and murder of a young Rakhine girl last month, allegedly by three Muslim youths.
Ethnic conflicts are a major cause of instability in Myanmar, mostly involving sizable minorities along the eastern and northern borders seeking autonomy who battle against the government.
In remote Rakhine, along the frontier with Bangladesh, tension between Buddhist residents and Muslims — exacerbated by religious differences — is often strained. The majority of residents are Buddhists from the Rakhine ethnic group, while there is also a large number of Muslims in the area particularly in northern Rakhine state.

Separately, the television report said a mob besieged a police station to demand the release of a man they believed had been arrested in a market dispute. Twelve people were hurt and police detained nine people in that incident in the Rakhine state capital Sittwe, 500 kilometers (300 miles) northwest of Yangon.
The report said police used smoke bombs to clear out the crowd after several hours after twice failing to disperse the crowd by firing shots in the air. Residents reported hearing many gunshots, but the authorities said the 12 injured people had suffered cuts and bruises.

The incidents were earlier reported — without much detail — on the website of the information ministry, which was launched Monday. The reformist government of elected President Thein Sein is eager to display its openness as it seeks to attract foreign investment after years of isolation.
.......................................
other related sources
In Burmese Kyaymon newspaper it quotes "ten muslim kalar killed"

However, it was not used inNew Light of Myanmar newspaaper....

Mob attacks in Taungup killed ten Muslim pilgrims

-

By BRAT,  

10 Muslims were chopped to dead and five other escaped in a massacre in Tongoup (Taungup) township on Sunday while they were travelling back to Yangon from Thandwe township.

During their way back to Yangon from Than Twe Mosque by bus-"Roma Thitthar" on 3 June 2012,  a group of 30 Rhakhine Buddhist people killed them with knives at Tongoup (Taungup) which is situated on the way.

According to the list escalated when they left from Tachan Pai Mosque to Than Dwe for Chila(Jama at), the eight Muslim victims were from central Burma and are identified as;

1) Muhammed Sharief @ U Ne Pwe s/o U Ahmed Suban, 58 8/Ta Ka Ta (N)095548, from Taung Twin Gyi
2) Muhammed Hanif @ U Maung Ni s/o U kay Pe Sufi, 65  8/Ta Ka Ta (N)095530, from Taung Twin Gyi
3) Shafield Bai @ U Aye Lwin s/o U A Hpoe Gyi,  52 8/Ta ka Ta (N)093573, from Taung Twin Gyi
4) Aslam Bai @ U Aung Myint s/o U Hla Maung,  508/Ta ka Ta (N)094557, from Taung Twin Gyi
5) Balai Bai @ Tayzar Myint s/o U Yakub,  288/Ta ka Ta (N)189815, from Taung Twin Gyi
6) Shuaib @ Tin Maung Htwe s/o U Tin Oo,  218/Ta ka Ta (N)231084, from Taung Twin Gyi
7) Salim Bai @ Aung Bo Bo Kyaw s/o U Tun Tun Zaw,  2614/Ma La Na (N)231084, from Myaung Mya
8) Lukman Bai @ Zaw Nyi Nyi Htut s/o U Ibrahim,  3314/Ma La Na (N)148133, from Myaung Mya, and

-the two other victims were helper husband and wife from Tandwe township.

The car with plate number- "7 (Ga) 7868", was also burnt down.

The other 5 Muslims were able to escape from brutally killing. The corpses were buried in Than Dwe on 3rd June 2012 evening. It's clearly indicate that how the Rakhines people are threatening even Muslims from outside Arakan state.

Tongoup (Taungup) is one of four townships defined as Muslim-free Zones by government decree in 1983. Since then several hundreds of Arakanese Rohingyans who were captured in these regions were killed directly by Rakhines involving government authorities.


The below is joint press statement released by Rohingyan Organizations:

Date: 4 June 2012

The undersigned organisations have strongly condemned the massacre of 10 Muslims, including 8 pilgrims, at 3 p.m. on 3 June 2012, by an organized terrorist gang of Rakhines at Taunggote, in southern Arakan State, Burma.

While the victims were on their way back from Sandoway to Yangon in a bus, Rakhine terrorists set upon it and massacred 8 Muslim pilgrims along with the driver and a caretaker. However, 5 Muslims could escape the carnage. The culprits were celebrating triumph spitting and tossing the wine and alcohol on the dead bodies lying on the road.

The names of the 8 murdered pilgrims were: (1) Muhammed Sharief (a) U Ne Pwe (58) NRC No. 8/Ta Ka Ta (N) 095548, (2)Muhammed Hanif (a) U Maung Ni (65) NRC No. Ta Ka Ta (N) 095530, (3) Shafield Bai (a) U Aye Lwin (52) NRC No. 8/Ta Ka Ta (N) 094557, (4) Aslam Bai (a) U Aung Myint (50) NRC No. 8/Ta Ka Ta (N) 094557, (5) Balai Bai (a) Tayzar Myint (28) NRC No. Ta Ka Ta (N) 189815, (6) Shuaib (a) Tin Maung Htwe (21) NRC No. 8/Ta Ka Ta (N) 231084, (7) Salim Bai (a) Aung Bo Bo Kyaw (26) NRC No 14/Ma La Na (N) 231084, (8) Lukman Bai (a) Za Nyi Nyi Htut (33) NRC No 14/Ma La Na (N) 148133.

In recent months anti-Rohingya propagandas have been carried out by Rakhine extremists and xenophobes inside and outside of Burma harping on the old tune, "Rohingya is not a nationality in Burma, they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh" with intent to exterminate them ultimately. Surprisingly, these organized efforts have been carried out in line with the recent statements of some responsible ministers and authorities of the ruling government. Nevertheless, the rejection of Rohingya coupled with continued persecution and ‘Rakhine terrorism’ against them indicates the early sign of genocide in Arakan.

However, the government is fully responsible for law and order situation in the whole country. It should not make the Muslims scapegoats, but it has full responsibility to protect rights, honour and dignity of all citizens.

Meanwhile, we reiterate that Arakan is a diverse society with two major peoples of Muslim Rohingyas and Buddhist Rakhines. We believe that ‘peaceful co-existence’ among all the peoples of Arakan and Burma is imperative for the restoration of democracy, promotion of human rights and perpetuation of peace and prosperity in the country. It is high time, for all compatriots, to actively pursue a ‘policy of peace and reconciliation’ and work in unison for the future of the country and for our generations to come.

We demand the ruling government of U Thein Sein to immediately conduct an impartial, comprehensive investigation and take exemplary action against the culprits in the interest of peace and security in the region.

We urge upon the international community with the UN, OIC, EU, ASEAN, USA and the governments of the world, international human rights organisations and NGOs to put effective pressure on the ruling Burmese government for the protection and security of life, property, dignity and honour of the Rohingya and Muslim minority in Burma.

Signatories to this joint statement:

1. National Democratic Party for Human Rights (in Exile)

2. Arakan Rohingya National organisation (ARNO),

3. Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK),

4. Burmese Rohingya Association Japan (BRAJ)

5. Burmese Rohingya Community in Australia (BRCA)

6. Burmese Rohingya Association in Thailand (BRAT)

7. Rohingya League for Democracy (Burma) (RLDB)

8. Rohingya Community in Norway (RCN)

For more information, please contact

U Hla Aung +33-629258793

Aman Ullah +880-15584 86910

Tun Khin + 44- 788 871 4866 :

ARAKAN REGION IS UNDER THREAT BY THE GANG OF RAKHINE TERRORISTS

Massacre of Muslim pilgrims by the gang of Rakhine terrorists in Taunggote town condemned and exemplary punishment against the culprits demanded

Another Burmese ethnic group ‘Zomi’ is not recognised by the Burmese government

Source from DVB, 31 May 2012

 

Recently, the Burmese government's Union Election Commission rejected the Zomi National Congress (ZNC)'s registration request over a naming row, which effectively prevents the national party for entering the country's political landscape.

The UEC's deputy director Hla Maung Cho was quoted saying the ZNC was unable to register because the term 'Zomi' is not recognised by the Burmese government. The party was told to change its name and to reapply for registration before the end of May.

The ZNC was registered as a party in 1988 and represents all the ethnic people living in Chin state. The party won two seats in the infamous 1990 general elections, but the results were later annulled by the then ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council in 1992.

Subsequently, the party was deemed illegitimate and has been banned from all political activities in Burma ever since. However, in an attempt to restore democracy and peace, the ZNC operates as an opposition party along with other political groups such as the National League for Democracy and United Nationalities Alliances.

With the recent democratic reforms in Burma, the ZNC reapplied for registration on 8 March 2012. However, the application was denied on the basis that the name "Zomi" does not represent any ethnic nationality in Burma.

"Given the rapid change in Burma, it is a tragedy to see that the government still refuses to recognise all the country's ethnic nationalities"

So who are the Zomi?

The Zomi or Zo people ('mi' means people) have long inhabited the mountainous areas between India and Burma for centuries. In Burma, the Zo people occupy the whole of Chin State and Kalay, Tamu and Khampat townships in Sagaing division. There are an estimated 3 million members of Zomi population living in Burma currently.

However, due to the lack of contact with the outside world, the group was often referred to as the "Chin" instead of their own name "Zomi."

The British first imposed the name "Chin" on the group when the colonists first made contact with the Zo people in the 19th century. According to Dr. Vum Son, the author of Zo History, the British adopted the name from the Burmans.

When the Burmans first came in contact with the group in the eleventh or twelfth century, they began calling the Zo people "Chin" for the simple reason that the basket carrying people occupied the western part of the Chindwin River – "Chindwin" meaning "the valley of the baskets". The word "chin" means basket in Burmese.

The Zo people have their own traditions, culture and language that are completely different from the ethnic Burmans. After Burma gained independence from the British, many Zo people refused to accept the name Chin – a term that they have never used themselves and was only officially used only after British annexation.

Dr. Hau Go, a Zomi scholar and lecturer at Mandalay University, wrote: "Whatever Chin meant or means, however it originated and why, the obvious fact is that the designation 'Chin' is altogether foreign to us, it has been externally imposed [on] us. We respond to it out of necessity but we never appropriate it and never accept it and never use it to refer to ourselves. It is not only foreign but also derogatory, for it has become more or less synonymous with being uncivilised, uncultured, backward, even foolish and silly."

One of the ZNC's objectives is to officially recognise the Zomi identity as defined by the ethnic group. The party claims that the demand for their own identity complies with the UN declaration of indigenous rights which states, in article 2, that indigenous people and individuals are free and equal to all other people and individuals and have the right to be free from any kind of discrimination, in the exercise of their rights, in particular those based on their indigenous origin or identity.

The UEC's rejection of the ZNC's application to register as a party on the grounds of not recognising the term 'Zomi' seems to have a bigger implication than just denying a party.

ZNC chairman Pu Cin Sian Thang was quoted saying the government's denial of the party's right to mention their own ethnicity saddened him most and could lead to the disintegration of ethnic solidarity. He said, "it is not important whether we get to participate or not, but we are disappointed in having our rights got violated and being told that our ethnicity doesn't exist in the country."

The rejection of the ZNC's registration request shows that the government is not only violating their rights altogether but is also choosing not to recognise the existence of the Zo people, which might suggest that Burma is willing to cleanse the Zomi ethnic group from the country. This is not the first time the Zomi ethnic group have been denied their rights. They have been the subject to the systematic practice of ethnic cleansing under preceding governments.

Given the rapid change in Burma, it is a tragedy to see that the government still refuses to recognise all the country's ethnic nationalities and exclude them from participating in the political reforms. Ben Rogers from Christian Solidarity Worldwide rightly says that Burma is still a long way from genuine change, until it recognises and includes its ethnic nationalities, who make up 40% of the population and inhabit 60% of the land, so that they can live in peace, with equal rights, autonomy and respect for their ethnic, religious and cultural identity. Today in Burma, many ethnic nationalities still face oppressions and discrimination on a daily basis.

- CS Dal is a member of the Global Zomi Alliance based in Kalay, Burma

 

Rohingya forced labour widespread in north Arakan: report

Source from Mizzima news, 1 June 2012

Forced labour continues to be widely and systematically practiced in northern Arakan State in Burma and little has changed for the Rohingya population, said a report by the Arakan Project titled "Forced Labour Still Prevails: Overview of forced labour practices in North Arakan" released on Friday.

Despite the democratic reform agenda pursued by the central government and a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Labour Organization signed in March calling for the elimination of forced labour by 2015, there has been little progress in northern Rakhine State, the report said.

A decrease in forced labour has been observed in certain areas where Garrison Engineers took control of some infrastructure projects and employs paid labour, but villagers in other areas continue to receive regular orders to work on road construction by the NaSaKa (border security forces). The work also involves serving as sentries and porters without remuneration and with penalties if they do not comply, the report said.

"We have never received any wages, not even a cup of tea, from the Army or the NaSaKa for all the work we do for them year after year. Instead, we are insulted and harassed if we do not work properly," said a 21-year-old Rohingya farm labourer from Buthidaung Township.

In Mid-May 2012, the NaSaKa requisitioned up to 250 villagers from four village tracts in South Maungdaw on a daily basis to excavate a diversion canal on the Myin Hlut River, said the report.

It said the presence of children among forced labourers, some as young as 9 or 10, is pervasive. Children are sometimes beaten on a worksite if they do not perform their work satisfactorily. The Arakan Project interviewed a 10-year old boy who was struck with a stick by a NaSaKa man who had caught him playing in the camp.

The report said the district administration has instructed village authorities not to supply forced labour to the Army, the NaSaKa or the police. But these directives have been ignored by the security agencies and the civilian administration is not in a position to challenge them, it said.

While an ILO Governing Body evaluation mission in early May reported that "there had been a substantial reduction in, or in some cases a cessation of forced labour, particularly in the last few months," the Arakan Project's investigations have shown a very different reality in that state.

"In Northern Rakhine State at least, Myanmar has yet to take concrete steps to effectively implement two key recommendations of the 1998 ILO Commission of Inquiry- eradicate the practice and prosecute perpetrators- and to translate formal commitments into action on the ground in all regions of the country. It would therefore be premature for the ILO to lift the measures adopted in 2000," said Chris Lewa, director of The Arakan Project.

The Arakan Project report can be accessed at: http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs13/AP-Forced_Labour_prevails.pdf

For more information, please contact Chris Lewa at chris.lewa@gmail.com