APPEAL FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTANCE IN ARAKAN ( Joint Press Release )

We, the undersigned Rohingya organisations express our deep concern over the ongoing grave situation in Arakan causing great consternation to the people.

It appears that the communal tension arising out of the lack of rule of law in Arakan was engineered by the regime and its local Arakan State apparatus. This was further evident by the gunning down of Rohingya Muslims who were peacefully marching for a prayer for those Muslim pilgrims cruelly killed by Rakhine terrorists in Taunggup on 3 June 2012.

In fact, it was absolutely unnecessary on the part of the authorities and the armed forces to obstruct the mourners to say their prayers peacefully. But the shooting was a clear sign to ignite communal tension between the two communities.

However, it is deplorable that there have been killing of innocent people, destruction of houses and properties from both sides which could be well prevented by the government. At least 100 innocent Rohingyas were believed to have been killed while many others injured. Never the less, the government of U Thein Sein is fully responsible for the untoward situation.

It is unfortunate that media groups are bias producing one sided reports against the helpless Rohingyas. We, therefore, request local and international media groups to find out the facts and produce true information.

We appeal to all our compatriots in general and the Rohingyas and Rakhines in particular to exercise maximum restraint in the interest of ‘peaceful co-existence’ in Arakan and Burma. Meanwhile, we urge upon the religious leaders, politicians, MPs and fellow citizens to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in Arakan and Burma.

Last not least, we demand that the government immediately constitutes an independent and impartial inquiry commission to investigate the case and bring the culprits to justice.

Signatories to this joint statement:
National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR)
Arakan Rohingya National organisation (ARNO),
Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK),
Burmese Rohingya Association Japan (BRAJ)
Burmese Rohingya Community in Australia (BRCA)
Burmese Rohingya Community in Norway (BRCN)
Burmese Rohingya Association in Thailand (BRAT)
Rohingya League for Democracy Burma (RLDB)


For more information, please contact:
Hla Aung +33 629258793
Aman Ullah +880-15584 86910
Tun Khin + 44- 788 871 4866