Editorial

Both the communities have noted that the militaryjunta is the perpetrator behind the arson of homes in Buthidaung. The militaryjunta, as usual, has historically fuelled conflict between the two primarycommunities in Rakhine, and now they are intensifying efforts to sow discordbetween the Rakhine and RohingyaMuslim communities.

According to local residents, the military junta is compelling Muslim residentsin Buthidaung and Maungdaw localities to join military services, arming them toattack the Arakha Army (AA), and also forcing them to break into Rakhinefamilies’ properties and set their houses on fire.

The primary goal of the junta is to instigate conflictbetween the two communities residing in the Rakhine region, with the aim ofsecuring their rule.

This action is also thought of as an effort to divertattention from the ongoing political and military crisis faced by the junta.

A local Muslim in Buthidaung stated that they cannot accept the act of torchingRakhine homes, emphasizing that there is no conflict between the Rakhine peopleand local Muslims, and attributing this tragic event to instigation by themilitary junta.

For this reason, it is imperative for both communitiesnot to fall into the trap created by the junta and to strive for long-termbenefits between the two groups, with the goal of preventing ethnic andreligious conflicts.

The  junta, facing setbacks in various battles in Rakhine State, isstriving to retain control over Buthidaung and Maungdaw. However, if theseareas are to be relinquished, it is crucial for everyone to recognize that thejunta is stoking animosity and conflict between the Rakhine people and theMuslim community in the region, intentionally igniting turmoil in the area.

According to credible reports, the junta isstrategically planning to replicate incidents like the one in Buthidaung,Maungdaw and Sittwe townships.

Through this editorial, we call upon not just theRakhine and Muslim communities in Rakhine State but all ethnic groups to rejectthe divisive and incendiary actions by the  enemies. It's vital to preventconflicts between the ethnic groups, unite and collectively oppose the militarydictatorship until its complete demise.