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Violence in Burma

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'Violence in Burma'

The real cause of current riots in Burma dates back to the 17th century, during the wrapping up of Mughal dynasty and the advent of British rule in this part of Asia.The last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II and his folk fled to Yangon, Myanmar. He was captured and later died during his confinement in Yangon and was buried on 7.11.1862. Post his death, the British prevailed over Burma, influencing its economy, social & religious convictions and politics. Numerous organizations were established by the leaders of Burmese-Muslims community which participated actively in social and religious welfare of splinter group.

History:
During British regime, rise of anti-Indian and later anti-Muslim sentiments became prominent as a consequence of economic pressure and Xenophobia. An anti-Indian riot in 1930 ignited racial tensions between the traditional Burmese, Indian immigrants, and Britishers. Burmese convictions turned against those viewed as foreigners, including Muslims of all ethnic groups. Post this, the world saw an anti-Muslim riot in 1938, strongly influenced by the media and the newspaper.In 1950s, Burma began "Burmanisation" with its lofty aims for racial purity and the nationalisation of resources.
Since then, the tussle for survival of the minor sect, earlier from British and now from the buddhist population ( approximatley 75% of the total), is going on.
The present day scenario (2012 riots) :
After about, few years of sacred peace in Myanmar, a serious riot broke out in june. With no one to comment authentically, the real cause is believed to be ' rape and murder of a Buddhist woman'. The majority believed it to be the deed of muslim community and in retaliation, buddhists killed 10 innocents, who belonged to minority. Also 'Rakhine Buddhists, together with security forces, deliberatily administerd a blood shedding violence against the Muslim minority.' Amnesty International leaked out this information earlier this august.
This fortified the anger and rage the people were carrying and a major burst out of people's sentiment resulted in one of the most violent and cruel riot the world has ever seen. The majority along with the security forces are enforcing capture or brewing killing, and the minority trying to elude this are fleeing to Bangladesh or China.
Over 500 Muslim villages have been burned to ashes and Thousands of lives lost. No muslim sect have been inflicted such in the past as this one.The Burmese Government has announced a State of Emergency and curfews in Rakhine State, but reports of violence continue.

Where is central government?
The massacre of Rohingya muslims by Rakhine buddhists has created the buzz around the world but the Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has not yet endorsed the issue,and people are wondering 'why'. One reason I can think of is may be her silence is an feeble attempt to facilitate her constituency ahead of general elections in 2015. Which is fair enough considering the political situation of Myanmar, If she stands for the minority, which she should in case she steps up, she will loose the majority of the vote and her consience wouldn't allow her to stand by the majority. Myanmar cannot afford to loose her right now as delocalisation of the power would make way for the currently overthrown army rule.
So basically, Rohingya is being sacrificed as collateral damage in the greater project of the democratisation of Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi is missing an extraordinary opportunity to live up to her reputation.
International aid:
Rohingyas have mated with the Muslim's in Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq and Afghanistan on the grounds of humanity. Delayed response from neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, has kept me in the awe being a muslim concentrated region.Three NGOs from Bangladesh, another muslim country, ceased the supply of food and other humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas in the border area, in the hope that this act won't encourage more asylum seekers to its shores. Already 40,000 unregistered Rohingyas live in makeshift camps in Bangladesh and a greater drain are on the cards as told by UN Refugee Agency.
This global silence may be processed as proof of the august conspiracy against Islam. And, yet little is being done by people/ U.N to actually reverse the treatment of their kins.
A ray of hope for Rohingya's Muslims came from a press statement by Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, U.S.A.
"We join others in the international community and call on authorities to work with local leaders—together with Muslim, Buddhist, and ethnic representatives, including Rohingya—to halt the on-going violence, begin a dialogue toward a peaceful resolution, and ensure an expeditious and transparent investigation into these incidents that respects due process and the rule of law."
I personally feel that rather than seeking international aids, the central government should participate more enthusiastically. Aaung Suu Kyi should not worry about the forthcoming elections and step up for the minority. People of Burma needs a leader like her to show the right way again and ensure mutual respect among the ethnics groups .

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