Myanmar: Communal Clashes Worsen In Rakhine State – Analysis

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The fresh communal clashes between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, which broke out on October 21,2012, have worsened despite the induction of security forces reinforcements by the Government.

While local Government sources have put the total number of fatalities so far at 20, a despatch of the Associated Press of the US has put it at 56. Local sources say that many of the latest fatalities seem to have occurred due to the security forces opening fire to bring rioters from both the communities under control. Arson attacks at nights have reportedly led to the destruction of nearly 2000 houses so far.

Burma
Burma

The areas worst affected by the violence and arson attacks are Minbyar,Mrauk-U,Kyaukpyu and Kyauktaw. Reports from the affected areas indicate that the security forces, though inadequately numbered, have been trying to protect the Muslims by opening fire on rioting Buddhist mobs seeking to attack the Muslims. This should account for the sudden increase in the number of fatalities.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) of Aung San Suu Kyi issued a statement on October 25,2012, urging the Government to take further security measures to stop the ongoing violence and re-establish peace and security in townships such as Kyaukpyu, Minbyar, Mrauk-U and Ann.

The 88 Generation Students group also released a statement calling on all people to work together to resolve this conflict, stressing that a solution must be based on democracy and human rights.

B. Raman

B. Raman (August 14, 1936 – June 16, 2013) was Additional Secretary (retd), Cabinet Secretariat, Govt. of India, New Delhi, and Director, Institute For Topical Studies, Chennai and Associate, Chennai Centre For China Studies.

One thought on “Myanmar: Communal Clashes Worsen In Rakhine State – Analysis

  • October 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm
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    If only the saudi rulers and the Emerati kingdoms knew the location of Rohingha Muslims,I am sure they would be ready to Help.

    Reply

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