International community calls not to ignore 5,000 non-Muslim houses burned in Buthidaung

Yes Myat Khaing, Narinjara News, 9 May 2024

The international community has been urged not to ignore the burning of about 5,000 non-Muslim homes in Buthidaung, Rakhine State, and has also appealed to support the affected families, locals said.

U Aung Thaung Shwe, former representative of Pyithu Hluttaw for Buthidaung, stated that the burning of residential homes in Buthidaung was a clear violation of human rights and should be ignored by the international community. He also called for help in achieving truth and justice.

“The terrorists are responsible for these disruptive activities. Local people like us, who are the main victims of violence, just suffer. The international community must not turn a blind eye to our problems. We need help to uncover the truth and pursue justice. We call on the UN to ensure justice for those who face violence. We demand justice,” he added.

About 5,000 houses of local ethnic groups including Rakhine, Khami, Chak and Daingnet were set on fire in Buthidaung in April. An attempt to hide the truth behind these incidents could lead to more violence, he claimed.

Daw Ma Aye Chay, whose house in Ward 6 was set on fire, said the Arakha Army (AA) had warned affected residents not to react with anger. Wanting to prevent escalating violence due to house burning, Rakhine people are exercising restraint with the aim of avoiding conflict.

“It is painful to see that our houses have been set on fire. However, the AA has asked us to avoid angry reactions. The military junta is deliberately creating tension, but our people remain cautious in making statements and taking actions against Muslims,” she added.

A Muslim village elder from the village of Seint Nyin Pyar stated that not all Muslims support the acts of terror.

“We do not support these types of actions. Some may have supported and cooperated with the junta, but most of us would prefer peace at all costs,” he said.

The arson targeting all non-Muslim homes in Buthidaung began on April 14 and was carried out by ARSA rebels and Muslim soldiers, who received military training from the junta forces.

According to the 2018 census, there were approximately 3,000 households in Buthidaung. However, as of 2019-2020, the population is increasing, due to the settlement of rural residents fleeing the fighting, and has now exceeded 10,000. Among them, 60% are occupied by Muslims and 40% by Rakhine and other ethnic groups, U Aung Thaung Shwe confirmed.

AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha also confirmed that nearly 5,000 houses had been burned in Buthidaung.

He added that the junta was losing the war and that is why they are arming certain Muslims to create instability in the region. It could also fuel ethnic and religious conflict in several Rakhine localities.

However, military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun has denied the accusation.

At least 1,500 houses were torched in the town of Buthidaung in April by junta soldiers and their allies, according to the May 3 Data for Myanmar statement.