KARACHI:
Since the outbreak of the intercommunal clashes in Myanmar’s Rakhine state in 2012, anti-Muslim sentiment spread across the country. The Rohingya Muslims have been denied citizenship and are subjected to restrictions on movement and other abusive policies. Anti-Muslim clashes are commonplace and have resulted in the destruction of Muslim businesses, neighbourhoods, and massacres of entire communities. Despite domestic and international criticism, the authorities in Myanmar have done little to end the misery of the Rohingyas. Some have accused the police of being complicit in the violence.
Since the military coup last year, the situation has further worsened as the military has inflicted brutalities upon all citizens of Myanmar. The Rohingyas have been forced to cut off ties with armed rebel groups and those trying to leave Rakhine are arrested. Currently, the Rohingyas are living in a constant state of fear due to sudden outbreaks of violence. Those who have managed to flee to neighbouring/regional countries are also faced with dire living conditions.
The Rohingyas have been suffering violence and human rights abuses for almost a decade now. Even though the US declared Myanmar’s mass killing of Muslims to be a ‘genocide’, we have yet to see a unanimous condemnation. All Muslim countries must collectively seek action against Myanmar to put an end to the misery of Rohingyas. Also, countries accepting refugees should be encouraged to accord the Rohingyas relative freedom, rights, and respect.
Zaiwer Baqi
Mashkai
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2022.
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