The Stateless Rohingya Blog

AFP © Myanmar unrest tests iconic status of Suu Kyi A FP News: April, 21, 2013 BANGKOK (AFP) - Aung San Suu Kyi's refusal to condemn attacks on Muslims in Myanmar has dimmed the Nobel laureate's lustre among global rights campaigners, but observers say her reticence will do her no harm with voters. Nearly a month after religious riots killed 43 people in central Myanmar, the former political prisoner turned lawmaker finally voiced sympathy for Muslims targeted by violence that saw mosques and homes razed. But Suu Kyi again failed to clearly condemn attacks against Muslims -- who represent an estimated four percent of the population -- or hate speech by some extremist Buddhist monks. Instead, as in 2012 when two waves of violence between the stateless Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists caused more than 180 deaths in the west, the opposition leader more indirectly urged respect for the "rule of law". "They did not feel t

Xinhua News: April 20, 2013 YANGON, April 20 (Xinhua) -- A total of 32 people were killed and 190 others injured during the Thingyan water festival in Myanmar, official media reported Saturday. Myanmar New Year's Thingyan water festivals were held across the country from April 13 to 16, said the New Light of Myanmar. There occurred 177 cases including murders, car accidents, fights, pick pocket/theft, arson, and others. This year's festival saw less crimes compared with previous years due to precautions from TV and newspapers and close supervision by officials concerned, the report said, adding all nationalities throughout the country celebrated the festival in accord with Myanmar's traditions and customs peacefully. Among the country's 12 festivals, the Thingyan water festival is considered to be the grandest since it is deemed to bring peace and prosperity to Myanmar people.

Maungdaw, Arakan State: There is no security for domestic animals of Rohingyas in northern Arakan , Burma, said a trader from Maungdaw south. “Natala villagers frequently abducted domestic animals of Rohingyas while grazing nearby forest and villages.” A group of Natala villagers (new Buddhist settlers) of Udaung village went to nearby forest and picked up 12- cow from the grazing fields on April 19,at about 3:30pm according to the owners of the cattle. The owners of  the cows were identified as— Sukkur (40), son of Mahasan, Ali Ahmed (35)  and Lal Meah, hailed from Khonza Bill (village) under the Aley Than Kyaw village tract of Maundaw Township. After the event, a cow boy immediately went to the village and informed the owners of the cows regarding the matter. On information, the owners appraised the matter to the village Admin officer and then went to the Natala village. The Natala villagers demanded Kyat 100,000 to release the cow, but, at last, the owners had to p