Editorial
Both the communities have noted that the military
junta is the perpetrator behind the arson of homes in Buthidaung. The military
junta, as usual, has historically fuelled conflict between the two primary
communities in Rakhine, and now they are intensifying efforts to sow discord
between the Rakhine and Rohingya
Muslim communities.
According to local residents, the military junta is compelling Muslim residents
in Buthidaung and Maungdaw localities to join military services, arming them to
attack the Arakha Army (AA), and also forcing them to break into Rakhine
families’ properties and set their houses on fire.
The primary goal of the junta is to instigate conflict
between the two communities residing in the Rakhine region, with the aim of
securing their rule.
This action is also thought of as an effort to divert
attention from the ongoing political and military crisis faced by the
junta.
A local Muslim in Buthidaung stated that they cannot accept the act of torching
Rakhine homes, emphasizing that there is no conflict between the Rakhine people
and local Muslims, and attributing this tragic event to instigation by the
military junta.
For this reason, it is imperative for both communities
not to fall into the trap created by the junta and to strive for long-term
benefits between the two groups, with the goal of preventing ethnic and
religious conflicts.
The junta, facing setbacks in various battles in Rakhine State, is
striving to retain control over Buthidaung and Maungdaw. However, if these
areas are to be relinquished, it is crucial for everyone to recognize that the
junta is stoking animosity and conflict between the Rakhine people and the
Muslim community in the region, intentionally igniting turmoil in the area.
According to credible reports, the junta is
strategically planning to replicate incidents like the one in Buthidaung,
Maungdaw and Sittwe townships.
Through this editorial, we call upon not just the
Rakhine and Muslim communities in Rakhine State but all ethnic groups to reject
the divisive and incendiary actions by the enemies. It's vital to prevent
conflicts between the ethnic groups, unite and collectively oppose the military
dictatorship until its complete demise.