Report by Sindhi
Khan | Written by M.S. Anwar
Maung Daw, Arakan-
October 1, 2013
President Thein
Sein travelled to Arakan state on Tuesday morning but his trip to Sandoway was
postponed because of continued violence in the streets. (PHOTO: Ye Htut FB)
President of
Myanmar Pseudo Civilian Government, U Thein Sein, was on his visit to Arakan
yesterday. He arrived in Maung Daw by helicopter around 2PM on 1st October
2013. Earlier, he had visited Sittwe, Pauktaw and other townships.
As soon as he
arrived in Maung Daw, he looked around the downtown of Maung Daw. Accompanying
him were Immigration Minister U Khin Yi, Deputy Defense Minister U Soe Win and
President’s Office Minister U Soe Thein. Then, he held a meeting with Maung Daw
Township Authority, selected village administrators in Maung Daw township,
Rakhine Community Representatives and Rohingya Community Representatives at the
office of Maung Daw district administration.
In the meeting
hall, there were two rows: one for Rakhines and another for Rohingyas. In the
Rakhine row, it was written “Row for Taing-Yin-Tha Rakhine (Indegenous
Rakhines).” While in the Rohingya row, “Row for Bengali” was written. An open
discrimination in practice in a meeting with the country’s president!!
During the meeting,
U Thein Sein addressed the audience. Follwing is his speech in brief.
“I am glad to see
you both community living in tranquility now.
The violence took
place because of the low literacy rate here and inappropriate education.
Because of the violence, I felt embarrassed during my international trips. I am
still facing the same. The country has earned a bad reputation. So, it damaged
the country’s economy. Besides, we have to spend so much money for the welfares
of the displaced people. The violence affected the country in almost every
aspect.
It should not have
happened. Can you, both communities, continue living peacefully like you are
doing now? Promise me.”
Both communities
replied “yes, we can.”
Thein Sein
continued his speech “you Muslims (he didn’t use the term “Bengali” for
Rohingyas), don’t go anywhere from this country. If you go to Bangladesh, they
will not host you. They will drive you out as well. Other countries will do the
same. You were born in this country, you will live here and you will die here.
Your situation will not forever be like this. Your situation will improve. You
will be able to move freely. You will be able to trade with Bangladesh.
Therefore, to
achieve everything, it is crucial for both communities to co-exist peacefully.
Will you live peacefully?”
Both communities
replied “yes, we will.”
During the question
and session, Mr. Jahanghir @U Aung Myo Min, a notorious teacher and MP at
Arakan State Assembly, requested “our students have been unable to continue
their study for past two years. It is a great loss for us. I would like to
request you to look into this matter and solve the crisis.”
U Thein Sein
promised “yes, I will try to solve it and make it alright very soon. You,
please, live peacefully. No more problems.”
“And could you both
communities hold inter-community discussions and dialogues weekly?
Audience replied
“yes, we can.”
Scarcely is there
anything in his above speech that we can call destructive. However, the problem
with Myanmar regime and military is that they never practice what they preach.
They are world-class sociopaths.
The violence in
Arakan is a crisis manufactured by Myanmar regime and its allies. So is the low
literacy rate among Rohingya community. The government has put up several
barriers against the education of Rohingyas. Now, Thein Sein is blaming
Rohingyas for being illiterate.
As of the
government’s help to the displaced people in Arakan, they hardly help majority
victims, Rohingyas, but as many know, most of government and foreign
assistances go to few displaced Rakhines and other poor Rakhines (not displaced
by the violence).
While he has been
on his visit to Arakan, Rakhine terrorists backed by his military and security
force are continuing setting ablaze Muslims’ houses in Thandwe Township. More
than 100 Muslims’ houses have been burnt down by Rakhine terrorists. It has
also been reported that 31 Muslims were killed and five mosques were burnt down
by the terrorists. Authority is rather helping the terrorists in carrying out
their savageries and atrocities. That is what Thein Sein, his goverment and Myanmar
military are about.
Some locals of
Maung Daw think that Thein Sein was on a political campaign and the intention
behind his visit was to seek people’s support as he targets to be president for
another term by forming a new political party.
However, let us be
optimistic about what U Thein Sein has said and pray that he practices what he
says.
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