TOWARDS ETHNIC CLEANSING -Part (1) | Myo Chit Maung

Introduction 

It was exactly after Jumaa, Muslim-Weekly-collective Prayer, while like every other Fridays, I was sitting on my computer desk and doing customary activities, one of my face book friends messaged me that one man was shot dead in Maungdaw by the police. Who could have ever thought that that incident would take the whole of Rohingyas’ freedom, security and peace away? 

I remained unconcerned (as seriously concerned as now I am) about the incident as thought that it was a minor problem and will soon be settled. The next day when I rang to my home, he was explaining me the whole incident that police open fired the Rohingya Muslims people while they were on their way to other Mosque for congressional prayer as they missed it in the Central Mosque. From that point, the sectarian violence has erupted the whole of Arakan between the two sister community Rohingya and Rakhines (Moghs) burning each other’s homes, destroying properties and killing innocent people. It is confirmed that the violence has got its pregnancy from the Taunggoke massacres; still one community is blaming the other. Whatever the reason and whoever is liable for the violence it is undeniable that the Muslim minorities of Rohingyas are passing their moments in deadliest situation while the Rakhines are being guarded and secured by the Government forces. 

Whereabouts is not known 

The last time I had conversation with him was two days before they were taken to an unknown location. I did not enjoy the last time phone conversation with him as if some fear was in each mind. I recognized this. That doubt was growing in my mind from that very time. Till 16/06/2012, they have attended two three meeting as village prominent leaders in sector head quarter organized by col. of sector HQ in concern of the current situation. Every time I talked with him on the phone it seemed to me that he knows something wrong will be going to befall on the whole community. 

On 15/072012 the combined force including army and NaSaKa raided the villages and tortured every one young, old alike leaving all into the condition of partial or total disability. At that time they were preparing for Juma prayer at home as it was not allowed by authority to collectively perform Juma and were lucky enough to escape from being captured leaving house full of women and children whom were later driven out from the houses for checking against the family list and questioning by the combined forces and gathered in school like chickens threatening very inhumanly. The family list was confiscated and returned after one month. This was a close shape indeed. 

On 11/07/2012 the shop line in front of the house was destroyed and looted the goods by the combined gang of army, NaSaKa and local Rakhines. No attack was made to the family members at that time. Still no one was aware of that the family was on the target. On 16th of June they were invited for the meeting as usual together with village chairman after which they still not return to their dearest ones. 

Again on 25th of June the village was second time raided and 24 innocent people were arrested and tortured. Six people including one woman were later released on the same day after severely tortured. Their beard were burnt and tortured till bleeding from the mouths and noses making them life long suffering and disability. The other elderly man was punched on the face making him blind because eye ball has come out of the spot. Another child was wounded in shooting. 

“They (combined force of Army,NaSaKa and Mogh) set fire on my beards and at the same time punched me over my faces till I got bleeding from nose and mouth” 

(One of the victims) 

Making the nights in the open-flooded-farm land 

The military camped in the village school for 5 days and always took their regular patrol along road. Every adult are making their nights in flooded farm land in the fear of arrest and tortured, leaving children, mothers and sisters in the home defenseless and helpless. This is what the situation demanded. During the raids some jumped into the tidy creek and died due to strong flow of current. Some managed to get ashore after two three hours voyage in the dark cloudy night. During the raids they (combined forces) took away all the valuables found on their way. Cattles and Goats of Rohingya Muslims were slaughtered and celebrated as good dishes while those of the Rakhines were safeguarded. The human rights violation against the Rohingyas was immeasurable and grievous. 

“I jumped into the tidy creek in dark cloudy night and after ride of several hours I managed to ashore by the Grace of ALLAH at last.” (One of the victims) 

The situation of people especially children and elderly who were caged in the villages was very critical and are dying the everyday due to the starvation and lack of medical care. No one can out for food and no one work for money as the curfew is imposed only for Rohingyas. While Rohingya children are starving to death Rakhines are celebrating with full bundle of foods looted from Rohingyas shops and homes, and donation from international communities. At the time of writing this article Rakhines Moghs are selling 50 kgs of rice bag with 50,000 Kyat (Myanmar Currency) taking advantage of the situation the curfew being imposed on Rohingyas. All the Mosques are locked from the concerned authority barring the Muslims from praying during the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

To be continued…………

RB News Desk.