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A crowd of people (including monks, in orange robes) gathered outside Muslim-owned stores that were trashed and set on fire in Meikhtila on Wednesday.

March 22, 2013

Photos and videos coming out of the central Burmese town of Meikhtila show rioting and attacks against Muslim-owned businesses, in the country’s worst communal violence since last year's clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in the eastern part of the country. The ungoing unrest has left at least 10 people dead, according to a member of parliament from Meikhtila District.

The source of the conflict remains murky. But both local police sources and Muslim activists agree that it all started with an argument between a Muslim gold-shop owner and Buddhist customers on Wednesday morning. From there, the stories diverge. A police source cited by Radio Free Asia says the shop owner broke an item belonging to the customers, leading to a brawl; Muslim activists, citing local sources, say the customers tried to sell the shop owner fake gold. Either way, the dispute quickly drew a crowd that attacked the goldsmith’s store as well as other Muslim-owned businesses.

A mob attacks Muslim-owned stores in Meikhtila on Wednesday. This video was relayed by Burmese Muslim activists living abroad.

Rioting continued during the night and into Thursday, with plumes of smoke rising around the town; a curfew declared by the authorities was evidently ignored. Several mosques were reportedly torched. 

Police say that at least two of the confirmed dead are Buddhists, one of them a monk. An AFP photographer who was able to visit the town Thursday said he saw at least three burned bodies and houses on fire. 

According to MP Win Thein, who hails from Meikhtila and belongs to the opposition National League for Democracy party, there are about 30,000 Muslims in the township, out of about 80,000 total residents. 

Muslims represent about four percent of Burma’s population, according to the last census. A wave of clashes between Buddhists and ethnic Rohingya, a Muslim minority, in eastern Rakhine State last year left at least 200 dead and more than 100,000 homeless, with many Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh. Last month, a Buddhist mob attacked a Muslim school and Muslim-owned stores in a suburb of Rangoon.

The aftermath of attacks on Muslim-owned stores on Wednesday. Police can be seen keeping a crowd at bay. Photo via Rohingya Blogger.

"Eyewitnesses I spoke to thought the mob violence might have been organised ahead of time"

Nay San Lwin is a Burmese Muslim activist living in exile in Germany. He contributes to the website Rohingya Blogger. He was able to speak to Meikhtila residents on Wednesday and Thursday morning; communications became more difficult on Thursday afternoon, when some of his sources fled town and stopped answering their phones.
The eyewitnesses I spoke to told me that hundreds of people gathered to destroy Muslim-owned businesses in a very short time span, which they found suspicious – like it was perhaps organised ahead of time. They said many had sticks with them, and used them to destroy the inside of the goldsmith’s store and others. Later, in the evening, they started lighting mosques and Muslims’ homes on fire. The police just stood by. 
Mobs also surrounded an Islamic religious school, trapping teenage students and teachers inside. [Several Muslim Burmese activists, citing local contacts, believe that some of them were killed after the school was set on fire this morning. Local authorities have said that a school was burned, but did not mention any deaths. FRANCE 24 has so far been unable to independently confirm these claims]. 
The Muslims I’ve talked to in Meikhtila are terrified. Many have shut themselves up inside their homes, for fear of being killed if they leave; but many others have already fled town [Buddhists have reportedly fled the violence as well]. They feel like there is nobody to protect them there. 
"Muslims in Burma don't have anyone to turn to for help" 
Several leaders from the 88 Generation Students’ group [an activist group led by people who participated in the 1988 pro-democracy students’ revolt, which was quashed by the military junta at the time] travelled to the town today, to try to calm the situation. But it seems that the mobs aren’t listening to them at all. [Editor’s Note: Min Ko Naing, one of the members of the 88 Generation who travelled to Meikhtila on Thursday, told Radio Free Asia: “We would like to request everyone to stop spreading violence. Most local residents are trying to prevent the unrest from spreading.”] 
Over the last few decades, the authorities in Burma have trained the population to hate Muslims. Many leaders use derogatory terms for Muslims in public, like "kalar". Recently, things have become even worse with the conflict in Rakhine state and the increasing influence of a powerful monk in Mandalay, Wirathu [Editor’s Note: Wirathu is known for his Islamophobic views. According to several Muslim Burmese activists, he recently visited Meikhtila, where he reportedly criticised the fact that many businesses were owned by Muslims]. We don’t have anyone to turn to for help. Not even Aung San Suu Kyi [Burma’s opposition leader, who after years of house arrest, now has a seat in parliament] will help us, because in Burma, speaking out for Muslims means losing votes. 
Police imposed a curfew overnight to control the situation after ten people were killed and several mosques burned in the violence
Onislam.net
March 21, 2013

MEIKTILA, Burma – At least ten people were killed and several mosques have been destroyed in a new bout of sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims in central Burma.

"About three mosques were destroyed," a local police officer told Agence France-Presse (AFP) by telephone on Thursday, March 21.

An argument between a Buddhist couple and gold shop owners degenerated into deadly riots in the central town of Meiktila.

An initial report on the police Facebook page late on Wednesday said anger spread after one man was injured during the row in the gold shop.

A mob then descended on the area and destroyed several mosques and an Islamic school in the area.

Police imposed a curfew overnight to control the situation after ten people were killed in the violence.

“We can't say the situation is under control,” Win Htein, a member of the opposition National League for Democracy party, told Reuters.

“The police force is not strong enough to control the situation.”

Tension between Muslims and Buddhists in Burma has been simmering since last year’s sectarian violence in western Rakhine state, which displaced thousands of Muslims.

Burma’s Muslims -- largely of Indian, Chinese and Bangladeshi descent -- account for an estimated four percent of the roughly 60 million population.

Muslims entered Burma en masse for the first time as indentured laborers from the Indian subcontinent during British colonial rule, which ended in 1948.

But despite their long history, they have never fully been integrated into the country.

Fears

The riots raise concerns that sectarian violence between Muslims and Buddhists could spread across the country.

"The situation is unpredictable," Hein Thu Aung, a 29-year-old local man, told AFP.

"I can't guess what will happen next. The violence could get worse -- everyone here is aggressive."

Win Htein, a member of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in the town, is also pessimistic.

"What is happening now is religious tension. We are trying to calm the situation down," he said, adding that the situation was "tense".

"I haven't seen this kind of conflict in Meiktila in my life."

Senior government officials said they were monitoring the situation in Meikhtila while roads linking it to other major cities in the region have been temporarily closed.

"It is very important to understand that there are those who want to create racial and sectarian violence out of ordinary crimes," Min Ko Naing, of the pro-democracy 88 Generation Peace and Open Society group, said.

Burma is about 90 percent Buddhist and the majority are ethnically Burman, but the remaining people are a diverse group of over 100 ethnic and religious minorities.Treating Buddhism as the state de facto religion, the Buddhist Burman majority was singled out as the trustworthy pillar of national identity.
(Photo: Eleven Media Group)
M.S. Anwar 
RB Analysis 
March 21, 2013 

You have recently been alerted about the systematic approaches and plans of Rakhine Extremists and their leaders to massacre Rohingyas twice more in 4th week of March and 2nd week of April respectively. Government has been being providing trainings to Rakhines on how to use guns and swords. Rakhine extremists have been being distributing anti-Muslim leaflets among Rakhine community all over Arakan. Yet, until yesterday, we hadn’t had any clue on how Burmese (including Rakhine) extremists would initiate or trigger anti-Muslim violence. 

Yesterday morning, a Burmese couple, in order to sell their FAKE Gold, came to a Muslim’s jewelry shop in Meikhtila Township, Mandalay Division. When the Muslim shop owner refused to buy the fake gold, a brawl took place and reportedly the fake gold seller (the husband) got injured. They went back to their village and came up with his co-villagers to attack Muslims in the township. According to some people, the fake gold seller was a spy of Burmese military who had been trying to incite the violence for weeks. 

In the attack, yesterday, eight Mosques were burnt down, 3 Muslims were killed and 15 Muslims got injured. A few Muslim houses were also razed. The names of the Mosques burnt down were: 

(1) Mingala-Zayune Masjid and Madrasa (Religious School) 
(2) Myo Oo Masjid 
(3) Pakistan Masjid 
(4) Hman-Lun Masjid 
(5) Jameh Masjid at the west from the Market 
(6) Peace Masjid 
(7) North Pye-Thaya Masjid 
(8) Thiri Mingala Masjid 

The Imam (teacher) of the Myo Oo Masjid was among the killed Muslims. Meanwhile, a Monk, as he was trying to set fire, died getting blocked in a burning Masjid. (Fig. Ref: Kay Te Zat O) 

According to the latest reports, at 11AM today, 28 Hafiz (students of Learning Quran by-heart) including Hafiz Student Mohammed Ihtishaam S/o Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Nurul Haque and 4 more Imams (the teacher of the Mosques and Madrasa) were also killed by the barbaric Burmese extremists. Blazing of Muslims’ houses is still going on and Muslims are running for their lives. The names of the martyred imams are: 

(1) Maulana Mohammed Shafie (Around 45) 
(2) Maulana Zakaria (Around 40) 
(3) Mufti Wajib (Around 30) 
(4) Unidentified yet. 

Amidst the declaration of Martial Law under section 144, the Burmese hooligans are set free to torch Muslims’ houses. Rather, Security Forces were seen talking in friendly terms with the hooligans. Therefore, there is no doubt that Security Forces itself involve in it and it is, in most cases, similar to the anti-Rohingya violence in Arakan. And it might be called the beginning of the new era of anti-Muslim violence all over Myanmar backed by the central government. As usual, Burmese domestic media especially Eleven Media Group dominated by Rakhine racists took up the role of spreading wrong propaganda and fooling the innocent Burmese people in order to persuade them to involve in the violence. 

At a time when people are showing their sympathy to the victimized farmers in La-Pan-Taung, Sagaing Division and their attentions are given towards the victims, triggering an anti-Muslim violence is the perfect way to divert the attention of the people and continue the Copper Project. Besides, it is a chance for the pseudo-civilian government led by Thein Sein to gain public supports and for NLD to take them back to the earlier position. And for the military, they can coup power and crawl back to the dictatorship. Last but not the least, it is the opportunity that the leaders of Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) have been seeking to massacre and cleanse Rohingyas with the support of and in solidarity with all Burmese. 
BRCA Team
RB News
March 20, 2013

Burmese Rohingya Community in Australia (BRCA) has organised peaceful demonstration against Burma President Thein Sein during his visit to Canberra, Australia on 18 March 2013 in front of Parliament House. Apart from BRCA group, the mixture of Mon, Kachin, Karen and Chin group demonstrated against President Thein Sein and the Tibetan group against Australian policy towards Chinese government as well at the same time.



During the protest, Green MP Sarah Hanson-Young came down to give a moral speech and show her support for the Rohingyas’ suffering and right.

Green MP Sarah Hanson-Young giving moral speech to Rohingya protestors
During the protest, BRCA demanded from Australia government to give effective pressure to President Thein Sein on Rohingya issues. The detailed interview with SBS TV News to deliver the message can be found at below;


The media coverage can be found at below link videos; 

During the protest, BRCA demanded from Burmese Government to give citizenship right back to Rohingyas and to form an enquiry team with combination of International historians, scholars, Rohingyas and Rakhines to decide the truth of Rohingya history and background. The detailed interview in Burmese with ABC Radio Australia Burmese with can be found at below;



The media coverage can be found at below link videos;

M.S. Anwar 
RB News 
March 20, 2013 

Maung Daw, Arakan - A few Rohingya villages in Kunkhara Fara (Padin) village tract, southern Maung Daw are being plundered by Ko Htway, the current in charge of the NaSaKa Camp 14 under the command area 7. The head of the mentioned camp, Bogyi Myo Htaik Aung, is said to have been taken for investigations to the Military Headquarter in Ann Township, Arakan state. In his absence, his assistant Ko Htway, a Rakhine extremist, is plundering Rohingyas in the said villages. 

“Bogyi Myo Htaik Aung was said to have been taken to the military headquarter in Ann township for investigation. The allegation against him was said to have been made by the military personnel who killed a Rohingya in Baggona village on 28th January 2013. Bogyi Myo Htaik Aung sent the dead body to the hospital for post-mortem instead of letting it be destroyed. So, the news of the killing leaked. And the criminal military accused Bogyi Myo Htaik Aung that he was supporting Kulars (a word used against Rohingyas). 

Now, in his absence, his assistant Ko Htway, a Rakhine extremist himself, is plundering the villages under Padin village tract. He has been looting, arresting and torturing Rohingyas for no reasons. On 17th March 2013, a Rohingya called Rashid Ahmed was arrested for renovating his house even though it was with the NaSaKa’s permission and tortured so much so that his ribs were broken. Later, he extorted 0.6 Millions Kyat and released the Rohingya. And he has gone wild and arbitrarily plundering and torturing almost every Rohingya in the village” said a Rohingya from a nearby village. 

“We would like to send this heart-breaking news of our people to the higher authority and central government of Myanmar through this media platform. And we plead the government to take action against Ko Htway in order to stop his plundering” he continually exclaimed.

Soe Raza
RB Poem
March 19, 2013

The Coward

I’m a true Coward! 
Who was waiting for have a high Reward! 
Without going a step Forward; 
Who left behind always and looking for a Backward. 
With cold blood and skinny before and Afterward! 

Who talked much of Rohingyas’ Pain! 
Without resisting for a Gain, 
A Coward talks much with little or no Action; 
This is of Rohingyas’ Tradition, 
They fight with tongue as if a swift Action. 

A Coward enjoyed no Peace with Freedom! 
As it is against the Wisdom, 
A Coward conquered no Kingdom! 
Without bloodshed there is no Freedom, 
Action without a definite aim is Random! 

Fear with tears trickling down my Cheeks! 
It is how I become Weak and Freak; 
A Coward doesn’t know how to Trick! 
As He thinks of no Blinks; 
Look, Only for a Drink! 

I have read the Book of Hero! 
Fought for years with no Fears and Tears; 
Against discrimination and differentiation, 
To build a Free and Independent Nation; 
That is the breath to peace Foundation. 

Without standing by myself Up, 
Could I touch the ‘Gold Cup’? 
No, my voices, I have to raise you for a high Up; 
To make you heard by all in hands Up, 
A sound in unison could destroy the Hub. 


Soe Raza is a social activist for Rohingyas’ citizenship rights & student at International Islamic University Malaysia pursuing a degree in Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology).

Author's note: This poem was aimed to express the quietness of Rohingya with patience without standing themselves for a resistance and defence against those racists and extremist Buddhist Rakhines in Arakan, Burma (Myanmar). Here, some special meanings are embedded in the words with capital letters. It is said that better to die with a movement of the body rather than a cry simply for sorrows. It is the right time to prepare a united stand with definite aims making a sound in unison to raise issue of “The Open Secret Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar” in the name of “Reforms and Road-map to Democracy by successive military regimes.
Muslim Rohingya walk around the Bawdupha Internally Displaced Persons camp on the outskirts of Sittwe, the capital of Myanmar's western Rakhine state. (Photo: AFP)
Radio Australia
March 19, 2013

Myanmar has dismissed a United Nations report calling for urgent action to protect tens of thousands of Rohingya this monsoon season.

Myanmar has dismissed a United Nations report calling for urgent action to protect tens of thousands of Rohingya this monsoon season.

Presidential spokesman U Ye Htut has told Australia Network's Newsline program the shelter at camps holding an estimated 120,000 Rohingya is adequate.

"I think most of the people are still living in the camp but they have enough shelter and food supply for the rainy season," he said.

United Nations Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana says in his report he is concerned the camps will flood in a few months time and recommends Rohingya be integrated into communities.

"The coming rainy season in May, which will flood many of these camps, further increases the urgency of relocation in order to avoid a humanitarian disaster," he said.

Myanmar's Rakhine state suffered two bouts of deadly sectarian violence last year between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims.

The fighting has divided the community and led to the Rohingya being separated into temporary camps.


Granting citizenship

Myanmar has reaffirmed Rohingya won't be given special treatment or granted citizenship, despite increased pressure from the United Nations.

Mr Ye Htut says thousands of stateless Rohingya must meet government criteria to get citizenship.

"Every people who have met the criteria of citizenship will have the citizenship," he said.

"But there's still many illegal immigrants in that area, and we have to solve that problem."

United Nations Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana is urging Myanmar to address "shortcomings" with the country's human rights situation, particularly regarding the Rohingya population.

"The Government must establish the truth about what happened in Rakhine state during the two waves of communal violence last June and October, and hold those responsible for human rights violations to account," he said.

BRCA Team
RB News
March 19, 2013

BRCA Delegate Raised Issues about Rohingyas Suffering During ANU Burma Forum

BRCA delegates together with special guest Mr. Htay Lwin Oo, Rakhine and Rohingya history researcher from USA and U Maung Ba from Singapore attended to the forum “Debating Democratisation in Myanmar/Burma” held on Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia in 15-16 March 2013 and raised issued about Rohingya suffering during questions and answers.

Mr. Htay Lwin Oo, speaking about the Rohingya existence in Burma since immemorial time


Questions and Answers between Mr. Maung Hla, Mr. Tin Maung, Dr. Hla Myint and Mr. Oo Hla Saw, General Secretary of RNDP (Rakhine Nationalities Development Party)


Questions and Answers between Mr. Mohammed Anwar, President of BRCA and Mr. Oo Hla Saw, General Secretary of RNDP (Rakhine Nationalities Development Party)


Bangkok Post
March 18, 2013

Villagers from Koh Surin of Khura Buri district in Phangnga province give their version of events of what happened on the night the Navy stands accused of firing on Rohingya boat people. All of the footage in this video was recorded by villagers, who say they filmed it as evidence. The identities of all sources have been withheld to protect their anonymity.


Andy Rowell
The Price of Oil
March 18, 2013

Human rights campaigners are warning that further ethnic cleansing in Burma, which is being exacerbated by land clearances due to economic developments surrounding the Shwe Oil/Gas pipeline, could be imminent. 

The Shwe pipeline, which ironically means Golden in Burmese, is due to open later this year. It will allow oil from the Gulf states and Africa to be pumped to China, bypassing a slower shipping route through the Strait of Malacca. It will also ship gas from off shore western Burma’s Arakan State, to southwest China. 

Last year there were two massacres against the Rohingya, an ethnic Muslim-minority population who inhabit Arakan state, including the strategic port of Sittwe, which is the start of the pipeline on the Burmese coast. There are credible reports that the Burmese military is involved in the ethnic cleansing. 

Banktrack has repeatedly called on international banks such as Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland to stop financing the pipeline or the companies involved in it, until the protection of community rights along the route could be guaranteed, but this has not happened. 

Described by the UN as being amongst the most persecuted people in the world, the Rohingya have been described as the “world’s most forgotten people“. The massacres against them occurred in June and then again in October, with over 120000 now living as displaced people in camps in the state of Arakan, and many more having left for Bangladesh and further afield. 

After the first massacre in June, Human Rights Watch argued that “Burmese security forces committed killings, rape, and mass arrests against Rohingya Muslims after failing to protect both them and Arakan Buddhists”. At the time, they estimated that “many of the over 100,000 people displaced and in dire need of food, shelter, and medical care.” 

Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch said last year that “recent events in Arakan State demonstrate that state-sponsored persecution and discrimination persist.” 

Events worsened last October when another massacre took place. Again Human Rights Watch argued that “attacks and arson” in late October “against Rohingya Muslims in Burma’s Arakan State “were at times carried out with the support of state security forces and local government officials.” 

Last week the London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission warned that “We are extremely concerned about the increase in propaganda against the minority Rohingya in Burma. It suggests that there is a high possibility of a third massacre against the Muslim minority”. 

The Chair of IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said, “There is a hidden genocide taking place in Burma, and we must speak out before even more of the Rohingya are murdered. The international community need to come together and stop a third wave of violence taking place.” 

Speaking to Oil Change International this morning, leading human rights campaigner Jamila Hanan, who is based in the UK and is founder of Save the Rohingya, said: “We are anticipating a third massacre of the Rohingya on the same scale which took place in Rwanda. We have been informed that this will take place sometime between now and mid-April.” 

Hanan continued: ““There is a definite link between the oil development and the elimination of the Rohingya. The Rohingya are being cleared out of Sittwe which is being developed as a deep sea port to take oil tankers from the Middle East. There is huge number of economic developments around the port of Sittwe as a result of the new pipeline.” 

The strategic port of Sittwe, where many Rohingya are based, and where the pipeline starts, is just one factor. Another are lucrative oil blocks which have previously been off limits due to sanctions. Next month, Burma plans to launch a much anticipated bidding for 30 offshore oil and gas blocks April, which is likely to receive bids from oil majors such as Chevron, Total and ConocoPhillips, amongst others. 

“Our politicians must put their own economic interests aside and act urgently to prevent this imminent human disaster, “says Hanan. “Never before has the public been so informed through social media that a massacre was about to happen – our governments must not be allowed to sit back and do nothing.”
10 year old Rohingya IDP girl's story of why she had to leave her home in early June. Her drawing includes many Buddhist monks carrying swords, attacking and destroying houses.


via Nora Rowley
BRCA Delegates team with RNDP General Secretary U Oo Hla Saw
BRCA Team
RB News
March 17, 2013

BRCA delegates together with special guest Mr. Htay Lwin Oo, Rakhine and Rohingya history researcher from USA and U Maung Ba from Singapore attended to the forum “Debating Democratisation in Myanmar/Burma” held on Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia in 15-16 March 2013. 

BRCA contacted to ANU a day prior to the forum and raised the concern over RNDP party participation in the forum and informed that BRCA delegates would be joining to the forum. Upon arrival to ANU forum, ANU gave a chance to BRCA to present our statement in the forum to audience for three minutes. 

The forum had discussion of different topics and aspects such as Political & Economic, Democratisation in big picture, Launch of “Exiled to Nowhere: Burma’s Rohingya” and Ethnic politics in transition etc. On second day (16.03.2013), U Oo Hla Saw from extremist Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) gave speech on how Rakhine state has numerous natural resources and Rakhines had their own dynasty in the history and now it is all controlled by central government and Rakhines people do not get any benefit from it etc. In his last speech, he focused on Rohingyas and said that “there were small Muslim community in Rakhine state in last dynasty and majority of Muslim population arrived during British colonial time were Chittagonian Bengalis. Rohingyas are the descendent of those Bengalis and Rohingya term is appeared after 1950s and whole Rakhine community initially supported to President Thein Sein’s words to deport Rohingya people to a third country.” However in his last speech, he clearly mentioned that Rakhines people like Rohingyas to get citizenship, move freely and settle down anywhere in Myanmar. It is noticeable point that he used Chittagonian Bengalis term to explain the initial history but used Rohingya Muslim term in the following speech. 

BRCA Delegates Team In front of “Exiled To Nowhere; Burma’s Rohingya” Photo Exhibition
After U Oo Hla Saw finished his speech, Mr. Htay Lwin Oo was invited to give speech for three minutes on behalf of Burmese Rohingya Community in Australia (BRCA). Mr. Htay Lwin Oo explained to the audience that Rohingyas are the native of Rakhine state by showing the ancient stone script, the evidence before and after colonial time and the family censorship evidence etc. Some of the points made during his speech are “At the beginning of British colonial time, Rohingyas were one third of the population which was 30000 and with high birth rate as the Burmese government mentioned, it should be in millions. I am also a Rakhine ethnic but a Rakhine Muslim. Rakhine leaders are lack of historical knowledge and giving wrong information to the public, media and international communities. When I challenged to Rakhine historian Dr. Aye Chan in a conference in Thailand organized by Rakhines, he had to accept finally Rohingya term existence and but tried to deceive the audience by saying Rohingya name was used for Rakhines. When asked to Dr. Aye Chan whether he is a Mohammedans (Muslims), he could not answer.” During his speech, Mr. Htay Lwin Oo also requested to audiences to take the copies of historical evidences of Rohingya existence and BRCA distributed it everyone in the room. 

After Mr.Htay Lwin Oo speech, the questions and answers program was started and from BRCA, Mr. Mohammed Anwar (President), Mr. Tin Maung, Mr. Maung Hla, Dr. Hla Myint and Mr. Thein Moe Win (Burmese Muslim) asked various questions in regard to Rohingya existence in Burma throughout history, violence committed by Rakhine extremists, police forces and security forces etc. and who is responsible for violence against Rohingyas and what RNDP did to prevent the violence against Rohingyas if RNDP respect human rights and sympathize Rohingyas etc. 

U Oo Hla Saw answered that the current Rakhine conflict issue is very complicated and RNDP do not have any power in Rakhine state and therefore Central Government is responsible for all the chaos, committed crimes and creating conflicts between Rohingyas and Rakhines. He also mentioned that he respect and sympathize all Muslims including Rohingya Muslims and do not like any oppression against these people. 

It is quite remarkable that U Oo Hla Saw only used the term Rohingya and Rohingya Muslims during his answers in front of all Burmese and international communities. He also mentioned that Rakhines want to live peacefully with Rohingyas Muslims. 

After the questions and answers section finished, BRCA delegates team took a picture together with U Oo Hla Saw as per above photo to send the message to everyone that Rohingyas and Rakhines can live together peacefully again as before in Rakhine State. 

After the forum section, Rohingya delegates visited to the photo exhibition “Exile to Nowhere: Burma’s Rohingya".

It is reported that there were around 150 audiences in the forum. 
Many ethnic Rohingya who make the journey over to Malaysia are young men (Photo: Reuters)

Maher Sattar
Al Jazeera
March 17, 2013

Young men who have found refuge in Malaysia after fleeing violence in Myanmar are covertly getting brides from home.

Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh - Shamsul Alam, has dabbled as a tailor's assistant and construction worker since fleeing to Malaysia from his native Rakhine State in Myanmar. 

He recalls bitterly his gruelling 12-14 hour work days on construction sites before grabbing a quick meal and dashing off to the highlands in the hopes of evading the authorities.

But when he speaks about his intentions to marry, the 30-some year old Rohingya becomes much more poetic: "If a man wants to live, he must have a woman…People need companions to live on this earth." 

However, his dream to marry has been difficult. As young Rohingya men like Alam have settled into life in Malaysia, to which a steady trickle of Rohingya refugees has been fleeing, they've been presented with a unique twist on a common dilemma: where to find a suitable bride.

Their perceived low social status has made it particularly difficult to secure brides. 

"There's a big gap socially between a Rohingya man and a Malay woman," says Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, an advocacy organisation for the Rohingya community. "The father of a Malay woman would not want to give his daughter to a stateless groom."

As a result, the demand for brides is creating a new phenomenon: the Rohingya version of the mail-order bride. 

Sending back for a bride

The stateless Rohingya, described by the UN Refugee Agency as the most persecuted minority in the world, face restrictions in their native Myanmar on where they can travel, who they can marry, and how many children they can have. 

Of the 30,000 refugees who have fled ethnic violence in their home state for Malaysia, the majority of those braving the treacherous boat journey have been young, single men. 

"In the past many Rohingya men in Malaysia married undocumented Indonesian or Burmese Muslim women," Lewa says. "But from 2009 it became more common to send a Rohingya bride from their village by air."

Activists and refuges estimate that hundreds of Rohingya brides have been sent over since 2009, with 67 making the trip last year.

"In our camp there has been many men who went over [to Malaysia] who have since been in touch to say ‘hey, send me a woman to marry'," says Deen Mohammed, a refugee living in Leda camp in Cox's Bazaar in southeast Bangladesh.

So-called brokers and family members back in Myanmar and the refugee camps in Bangladesh look out for potential female mates. Once the right woman is found, several deals are struck.

The suitor - or often his parents - then come to an agreement with the bride-to-be's parents, which can involve monthly payments or a lump-sum figure. The girl herself is rarely consulted. 

Arrangements must then be made with the brokers - who then arrange the fake passports, tickets, and other documentation for the girl and her companion who often pose as her husband to get her through the scrutiny of immigration officials. 

From sea to the sky

One factor spurring the growth of the number of brides being flown over is the change in Thailand's attitude towards refugee boats. 

Having previously turned a blind eye, In 2009, Thailand - a key passage for onward travel to Malaysia - began to push refugee boats back to sea, leaving their passengers vulnerable to risks of dehydration and death. This shift coincided with a boom in low-cost air travel in Asia, with airlines like AirAsia adding hundreds of routes in 2008.

Parents unwilling to risk their daughter's lives by sending them on a small boat seem to be more receptive to the notion of dispatching them by air, opening the door for lonely men like Alam to spend his savings on a bride, a broker, and their plane tickets.

Somewhat ironically, the cost of bringing a bride to Malaysia by boat is now more expensive than by air, according to Deen Mohammed.

"For the boat, the brokers charge more for the women than they do for the men, about $2,280", he says. "The plane ticket costs about $1,500, getting a fake passport and other documents costs about $250."

He explained, however, that many refugees don't have the luxury of choice. 

"Many of the refugees aren't able to make the arrangements to go by plane…Not everyone is able to get a passport and other documents." 

Uncertain future 

Syed Karim, a refugee in Bangladesh who is preparing to send his daughter by boat to get married in Malaysia, is realistic about the situation.

"I just know that I'm supposed send the money I get [from the groom] to a specific place, and then someone will come take her. I don't know who he is, but I know his name," Karim says.

"Of course I'm scared about what might happen to her. She's a single girl by herself, she's 21 years old. She's worried about how she is going to reach her fiancé." 

Such trips can end in tragedy. Just a few days earlier, two Rohingya brides en route to Malaysia by boat from Cox's Bazaar drowned in choppy waters, Mohammed says. 

But uncertainty is a hallmark not just of the travel, but also of the life after it.

Mohammed recounted the story of a girl who went to marry a man in Malaysia who it turned out already had a wife and two children. The marriage was called off and the girl was stranded.

"For a month her parents heard nothing from her at all, had no idea how she was surviving, until finally she was able to call them to let them know that she had managed to find another husband."

Lewa also voices fears about the future of the girls, many of whom she says are underage.

"The women are there at the mercy of their husband. It's hard to talk to them - the husband is afraid to allow her out because he is afraid she could be arrested. 

"NGOs have raised concerns about high levels of domestic violence in the Rohingya community. At least in a village in Burma you have relatives or village elders to turn to," Lewa says. "Stateless young brides in an alien country are particularly vulnerable to abuses by state authorities and locals, but also by their own refugee community."

Soe Raza
RB Poem
March 17, 2013

The Open Prisoners In Modern Age

Every white and dark passed by tears and fears; 
Every single brunt has to bear! 
Because of a being Muslim and ethnic Rohingya; 
Killing and attacking me by Buddhists of Rakhingha. 
Even the rights of me being a Human; 
Being snatched away before my legal birth, 
This is a corner of the earth. 
Every breath I take in return of a tax and bribery; 
Why do I not call it Modern Slavery? 
I was born free and equal in dignity and rights; 
As I have two hands and legs with a human face, 
Never, I’ve been entitled for my race. 
Was there no 1952 Universal Declaration? 
As I been treated as worse as had possible; 
I couldn’t move and sigh though I able; 
Alas! It is me neither U Thein Sein nor U Rakhine! 
Whose blind-eyes dreamt of with deaf ears to shine! 
I am an Open Prisoner of this 21st; 
Who has no right to talk, hear and die with a peace at least! 
Round the clock, NaSaKa and Police with some racist Rakhines; 
Oppressing me all day and night! 
Showing a Carrot by U Thein Sein a side, 
Opening Naypyidaw was the reason to Hide; 
It is an Open Secret avoided by Daw Suu Kyi to other side; 
Saying nothing knowing everything flowing by the tide. 
How easy to carry Rohingya Genocide is! 
I am dying with deep sorrows and pains! 
In the Open Prison of U Thein Sein! 
Oh! My dear Lady, did I forget your life of House No. 54? 
I’m a friend of you within the same boundary; 
Why are you silent to my pain? 
Though my love and admiration for you remains. 
We didn’t come forever in this world to sustain. 
Let Rohingya be the citizens of Myanmar! 
To build a country of equality with transparency; 
With no code of colour and creed dependency, 
What I want is that Democracy, 
Whatever all I need is against this Bureaucracy. 


Soe Raza is a social activist for Rohingyas’ citizenship rights & student at International Islamic University Malaysia pursuing a degree in Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology). 

Author’s note: The aim of this poem was to express a little dire condition of the camps inside Arakan, Myanmar where Internally Displaced Rohingyas (IDR) were forced to encamp unconditionally while Daw Suu Kyi avoided answering about them on her Europe and India trips. This poem was not copied and it is originally come from my feelings and thoughts about my community and country. The situation I described here is maybe less than 10%. ‘Every human being is born free and equal in dignity and rights; thus, every Rohingya Muslim within the boundary of Myanmar should have the same dignity and rights with fully recognized citizenship by Naypyidaw.”

RB News 
March 17, 2013 

(Translated by M.S. Anwar) 

Minbya, Arakan- Rohingyas in Arakan state are having hardships to their daily livelihoods due to the blockage of Rakhine extremists post the violence against them (Rohingyas) in June and October last year respectively. 

On Thursday, 14th March 2013, from the village of Singyi Pyin (Sang-Gri Fara), Baabu-Taung Village Tract in Minbya Township- a village that has been under severe food shortage for months, three Rohingyas left by an engine-boat for Lin-Baw Shor (La-Macchay Rua), Nagara village tract to buy some food stuffs. 

They were inhumanely and brutally slaughtered by the Rakhine terrorists waiting standby on their way. Their dead bodies were found at the bridge of Myaung-Bwa-Chaung nearby the village of Bu-Talloon, Mrauk-U Township on Saturday, March 16, 2013. 

Some military personnel, responsible for security, from Kha-Ma-Ra-380 encamped in Mrauk-U Township, were also present at the time when the dead bodies were found. There were several sword-hacked injuries on their bodies. They were slaughtered and their noses, ears and penises were cut off. 

They, who were brutally killed by Rakhine terrorists, were from the village of Singyi Pyin and their profiles are: 

(1) Mohammed Ullah S/o Aminullah (38) 
(2) Manzoor Alam S/o Noor Alam (37) 
(3) Mohammed Ayub S/o U Rashid (20)

Soe Raza
RB Poem
March 15, 2013

The Hatred In The Light Of Civilization


Civilization is a Symbol of good Nation, 
What the beauty prevails of multi-ethnic fashion; 
My country by born Myanmar that need to reunion 
Hatred is not a good passion. 

Civilization from cradle taught me to be gentle, 
And a good Citizen after all; 
Thus my blood corpuscles in the vessels! 
Simmering & murmuring begging to you all. 

To leave the hatred between, 
Let us be civilized citizens the world to win! 
As equal rights was there I’ve seen, 
No minority or majority it means. 

We lagged beyond & locked in deadly, 
I found no countrymen to oppose hatred sadly; 
Hatred results in bloodshed and arson ultimately, 
But civilization I believe in tolerance certainly. 

Hatred is more dangerous than a fire, 
Thought it has no attire; 
Do we feel any when we meet a pyre? 
Yes, we do as we care & share to admire. 

Could hatred go not against our will, 
If we could change the desire of the Devil; 
I surely believe in peace for the next April, 
And wish to last until January a peace deal! 

In ‘Rakhine’ & ‘Rohingya’ I found five Similarities! 
From where remixed we could start for a community, 
Let us build a Nation with full of peace and prosperity, 
No looking at the past when we had enmity. 


Soe Raza is a social activist for Rohingyas’ citizenship rights & student at International Islamic University Malaysia pursuing a degree in Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology). 

Author's Note:
This poem was aimed to bring a cessation of communal hatred & violence against Rohingya, & again peace, prosperity with communal harmony between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims of Arakan, Myanmar through full recognition of Rohingyas’ citizenship right by Naypyitaw & Rakhine state government as well. 

RB News 
March 15, 2013 

The Arakan History Forum was held in Bangkok, Thailand on March 9, 2013 under supervision of Historian Dr. Aye Chan. And another seminar was held yesterday in MICT Park, Yangon, Myanmar. Three Rohingya political parties based in Yangon requested to answer some questions relating to Arakan history. The questions were sent in Burmese language on March 13, 2013. 

The questions of three Rohingya political parties were translated into English by RB Team. 

The questions sent by Democracy and Human Rights Party (DHRP): 

  1. Are there any records in Arakan chronicle that, with the help of Muslim troops under Gen. Sandi Khan dispatched by Bengal Sultan, Min Saw Mon (a) Narameikhla conquered Mrauk-Oo and reined the kingdom? 
  2. Based on the above historical records, can it be denied that Muslims have been living in Arakan since 1430? 
  3. Can Arakan chronicles that mention the reign of Muslim kings assuming the titles of Sultan or Raja be denied? 
  4. Would you reject the evidences that coins were issued in Arakan in Islamic scripts? 
  5. Is it true that, during parliamentary period, with the cabinet decision, the second independence hero Prime Minister U Nu had recognized “Rohingya” as a distinct ethnic race and Rohingya language programme was relayed from government’s Burma Broadcasting Service (BSS)? 
  6. Do you deny the statement of the Chief of Staff Gen. Aung Gyi who, on behalf of the government, promised that the rights and privileges of the Rohingya people would be guaranteed as an ethnic group on par with other nationalities of the country? 

The questions sent by National Development and Democratic Party (NDPD)
  1. Is monument or stone tablet inscription primary source or secondary source? 
  2. Are the words or vocabularies found in Ananda Stone Pillar inscription Rakhine or Burmese language? 
  3. Do you know the words or vocabularies found in Ananda Stone Piller inscription (Kyaukza) are on the whole similar to the language spoken by Rohingyas today? 
  4. Do you know, according to purapaik (writings on thin and folded substances) preserved during the time of Burmese King Bodawpaya, the language of Wethali period has utmost similarity with the language spoken by Rohingyas today? 
  5. Do you know there were Pathi Kala Muslims in Arakan during the reign of Bodawpaya and had appointed Qazis in 4 wadis (regions) or in the whole of Arakan by imperial orders for the administration of justice? 

The questions sent by National Development and Unity Party (NDUP) 

  1. Do you know, in 1799 the British envoy Francis Buchannan in his research work recorded that there were ethnic Rohingyas, who were natives and had long settled in Arakan? 
  2. Do you know, Francis Buchanan recorded the Rohingya language is a separate language different from the Bengali? 
  3. Do you know, according to the report of the British Commissioner Mr. Charles Paton, the population of Arakan before British’s entry or 1823 was 100,000 consisting of 60,000 Maghs, 30,000 Muslim Arakanese and Burman 10,000? 
  4. Do you accept the report of Mr. Charles Paton as primary source? If you accept it, do you want to reject those Muslim Rohingya Arakanese who formed one-third of the total population of Arakan before 1823 as second largest community and citizens by birth? 
  5. Do you know, according to that report, Muslim Arakanese (Rohingyas) were appointed or had served the Burmese kings as commissioners, administrators, police officers, Kyun Ouk (Circle officers) Zamindars or landlords , Kyedangyis (village officers) ? 
  6. It has been accused that during colonial rule the British had brought people to Arakan from Bangladesh. Would you mention the number of foreigners living in the townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Akyab, Kyaukpyu and Sandoway who were paying alien taxes?

RB News 
March 15, 2013 

Rohingya awareness week in South Africa brought attention to the South African People 

Free Burma Campaign South Africa and Protect the Rohingya group hosted BROUK delegation from 3rd March until 9th March 2012. BROUK delegation raised the plight of the Rohingya in Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

According to Organisers, BROUK President was interviewed by South Africa National Radio Station. Now more than more than 5 million listeners aware about the plight of Rohingya after a week of Campaign, interviews and news clips. Radio 786 and Islam radio also interviewed BROUK delegation daily during Rohingya awareness week of South Africa. 

BROUK President Tun Khin gave a Jummah talk during Friday Jummah prayer at the Al Jaamia Mosque in Claremont Cape Town. The mosque was strategically selected as Muslims from that area are also victims of force removals under the Apartheid Era. In September 1969 the Imam of the mosque Ashaheed Imam Abdullah Haroon was killed by security police for speaking out against the regime of his time. 

BROUK delegation was also received by the PAGAD centre, in memory of all the oppressed, as well as the Cape Town community, to lift the morale of all oppressed, showing we are one Ummah (Nation) in the struggle towards social justice and freedom. 

Within the same time, BROUK was invited by Christian Solidarity worldwide (CSW) to give briefing on latest situation of Rohingyas in Arakan State Burma during CSW Prayer event for the people of Burma who were suffering Human Right violation. BROUK’s general secretary Ahamed Hussein Jarmal gave a 15mins briefing specifically on last year attacks against Rohingya and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Arakan state Burma and boatpeople who were suffering in middle of the ocean and sea.



(Photo: AAP)
Santilla Chingaipe, SBS
World News Australia
March 15, 2013

The Federal Government is being urged to raise human rights issues during a visit next week by Burma's President Thein Sein.

(Transcript from World News Australia Radio)

The Federal Government is being urged to raise human rights issues during a visit next week by Burma's President Thein Sein.

The calls follow a United Nations report expressing concern over how Burma is making the transition from military rule to democracy.

Recently, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Burma released a report highlighting developments in Burma after decades of military rule.

Tomas Ojea Quintana says despite progress, Burma still needs to tackle serious human rights challenges.

Mr Quintana says only then can democratic transition and national reconciliation succeed.

"It requires ensuring that new legislation such as the proposed Printing and Publishing Law does not claw back advances in freedom of expression. It includes repealing legislation that remains a legacy from previous military governments such as the 1908 Unlawful Association Act and it requires capacity for the police and army personnel so that people are no longer beaten for the acts of peacefully expressing their views. This reform process must address these shortfalls now."

Activist group, Burma Campaign Australia, says President Thein Sein's visit to Australia provides an opportunity to raise concerns about fundamental freedoms.

Spokeswoman Zetty Brake says all ethnic groups should be able to enjoy the same freedoms in Burma.

"We want to see equality given to those ethnic nationalities and for different religions to be respected as well. This means we want to see ethnic groups having self determination and being able to have control over their lands and their resources. This is very much not the case at the moment, where we're seeing conflict happening to get control over resources. People should be respected for their different ethnic nationalities and that really is something that needs to change in Burma and its something the Australian government can raise and push further the Burmese government on."

One such group are the ethnic Rohingya Muslims.

Estimated to number about 800,000, the United Nations have called the Rohingya one of the most persecuted minority groups in the world.

Unrest between the Muslim Rohingya and Buddhists since June last year has left almost 200 people dead and about 120,000 displaced.

The UN says this has led thousands of Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.

Mohammed Anwar is from the Burmese Rohingya Community in Australia.

Mr Anwar says Australia is in a strong position to help end discrimination against Rohingya in Burma.

"Australia should show off its human rights capabilities to Burma otherwise, I believe that because Australia has got its security post on the UN [Security] Council, Australia has a big role to bring justice for the people or to bring rights for the abused people."

Mr Anwar says the plight of the Rohingya - and those fleeing as refugees - needs to be recognised.

"If the international community leaves it as an internal matter of Burma, the Rohingya issue, then it will not be solved maybe even in 100 years because the majority of the Burmese people do not like the Rohingya, and they are against them. That [hate] has been created by the media and also some respected political figures. They all use different terms for Rohingya and they are all claiming that these people are illegal immigrants. That's why we need international support, we need international help."

In addition to talks with government officials while in Australia, President Thein Sein will also meet business leaders.

However, Zetty Brake from Burma Campaign Australia says it's too soon to be holding business talks with Burma.

"What we haven't seen in Burma is significant reforms to the business environment and what we do know is that foreign investment often has been linked to human rights abuses, to the displacement of tens of thousands of people in Burma and to the loss of livelihood for many of those people. Many local communities do not benefit from foreign investment and meeting with business leaders is premature."

President Thein Sein will visit between Sunday and Wednesday, and is expected to make a trip to Canberra.

It will be the first visit to Australia by a Burmese head of state since 1974.

    • Rohingya Exodus