ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Myanmar

19.12.2016
Myanmar

Problems of the Muslim minority in Myanmar are going to be discussed.

Rohingya Muslims

Myanmar is a Buddhist country, but the Arakan state is inhabited by the Rohingya ethnic group, which is largely Muslim. Despite the fact that the Rohingya are an indigenous people, they are subject to repression by the government. Previously, the whole responsibility was assigned to the military junta, but since the liberals have come to power (especially Aung San Suu Kyi), nothing has changed. Moreover, even the liberals have promised to demolish mosques.

Arakan state is virtually under siege by Buddhist Myanmar. Many Muslims are trying to find asylum in neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, etc. Over the past few years, tens of thousands of Muslims have left the country.

Insurgent organization

Moreover, the Rohingya Muslims have a paramilitary structure called al-Haraki Yakin that was created in 2012 and has ties to Saudi Arabia. The spiritual leader of this group, Ziyabur Rahman, studied in Mecca. He maintains ties with various Muslim theologians from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The latter two countries are believed to be providing financial support to the al-Haraki Yakin movement.

The West’s Hypocrisy

The US lifted sanctions against Myanmar after the victory of its protege, Aung San Suu Kyi. However, the question of Rohingya’s rights has not been raised yet.

In recent years, human rights activists and pro-Islamic organizations have stepped up their activities in support of Rohingya Muslims. A picket was even held at the UN headquarters.

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Myanmar: Is Co-existence possible?
Myanmar
muslims
Rohingya