Buddhist politicians, monks and community leaders in Myanmar's Rakhine State called for the creation of an “Arakan National Defense Army” against the region's persecuted Muslim Rohingya community.
The meeting which recently took place in the Kyaukphyu Township proposed the idea first pitched by Buthidaung Township representative Tun Aung Thein, who attempted tp pressure the Myanmar government to allow the formation of such an army.
Union Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann and the President Office’s Minister Aung Min also attended the five-day conference that wrapped up on Thursday.
Irrawaddy news reported that Nyi Nyi Maung, a spokesperson from Arakan National Conference, said “this decision came out from our analysis of the current situation in our region.”
Myanmar has been accused of genocide against the Rohingya, who had their ethnic group dismissed from a recent census as the state claims they are Bangladeshis who have illegally migrated to Myanmar.
Ongoing violence against the community by Buddhist extremists in the Rakhine State have forced many of them to risk their lives fleeing the surrounding countries across dangerous seas and terrain.
Many of those who survive the dangerous trek have fallen victim to traffickers who hold them hostage in remote locations. Many also face deportation a persecution in the countries where they seek refuge.
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Source : World Bulletin