ARNO Welcomes the Release of Political Prisoners in Burma

Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) today welcomes the release of a considerable number of key political prisoners in Burma, including members of the 88 Generation Student group. ARNO further welcomes and appreciates the release of U Kyaw Min (alias) Shamsul Anwarul Haque with his wife and two daughters.

U Kyaw Min is a Rohingya who was elected as a member of the parliament in 1990 elections from Buthidaung(1) constituency. He is also a member of the Committee Representing the People’s Parliament (CRPP) led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. 

It may be mentioned, the current ceasefire agreements between the military-backed government and major ethnic rebel groups are a positive sign towards U Thein Sein’s promised reforms. But we expect to find in the government the honesty and integrity for peaceful resolution of all conflicts and problems. Particularly, for the purpose of political and democratic reforms, we urge the civilianized military government to take the following immediate measures:

1. Release of the remaining political prisoners.

2. A nation-wide ceasefire.

3. Political dialogue with all, including the Rohingya, for political solution on the principle of ‘unity in diversity’. 

4. Repeal all repressive laws, including Burma Citizenship law of 1982. 

5. Restoration of Rohingya citizenship and ethnic rights.

6. Stop human rights violations across the country.

7. Lift all restrictions on the basic freedoms of the Rohingya, including restrictions on their freedom of movement, marriage, educations and other activities.

8. Withdraw Nasaka brute forces and all repressive functionaries from North Arakan.