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    News Politics

    Muslims removed from Arakan probe for criticising gov’t

    Men from Burma, who live in Japan, take part in a rally for a global day of action in support of human rights for the Rohingya people, in front of the Burmese Embassy in Tokyo on 8 November 2012. (Reuters)
    • By HANNA HINDSTROM
    • 8 November 2012
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    This week’s dismissal of two Muslim members from the government’s commission to investigate sectarian clashes in Arakan state is reportedly linked to their outspoken criticism of the Arakanese government and alleged bias in favour of the Rohingyas.

    Sources near the commission told DVB that Tin Maung Than and Nyunt Maung Shein, the president and the secretary of the Islamic Religious Affairs Council Headquarters, were dismissed under a presidential order last week for violating commission principles, including publicly criticising the government.

    It follows the release of a controversial letter, in which Tin Maung Than accused the regional government in Arakan state of being “dictated by [a] terror network” and called on senior MPs to resign.

    “Those who are tasked with implementing [security measures] on the ground carry no dignity as government officials, or genuine will and honesty to work for rule of law,” he wrote in an open letter published in Myanmar Post Global news journal on Friday. “The Regional Government including the State Chief Minister U Hla Maung Tint and Security Affairs Minister Colonel Htein Linn have no power to defy a group of terror-mongers.”

    Fellow commission member Zaganar told DVB that his dismissal was likely a direct consequence of the letter, which has been widely distributed across the Internet.

    “If he circulated this letter secretly or openly that is the violation of the [commission’s] principles and regulations. Because he has no mandate to do that,” said Zaganar.

    But another source close to the commission, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, insisted the letter was only one of a number of incidents, which prompted his removal. According to the source, a number of commission members resented him for allegedly harbouring biased loyalties towards the Rohingyas.

    “The key issue is that he broke commission rules and criticised even fellow commissioners, calling the Arakanese leader a ‘racist’,” the source told DVB, referring to Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) leader and fellow commissioner Dr Aye Maung, who has led a vocal campaign to expel the 800,000 Rohingya minority from western Burma.

    Dr Aye Maung’s inclusion on the 27-member body, along with other militant nationalists such as student leader Ko Ko Gyi, and the total exclusion of Rohingya representatives, has itself been the source of controversy and led to accusations of bias in favour of the Arakanese. Only four Muslim representatives now remain on the commission.

    The latest allegations are likely to raise alarm that Tin Maung Than has been squeezed out for political reasons, since accusations of “bias” are commonly leveled at commentators, activists and journalists concerned with the plight of the Rohingyas, who are considered “illegal Bengali immigrants” by the government.

    But Zaganar insisted that overall Tin Maung Than’s behaviour has been completely professional and rejected allegations of bias.

    “He’s a very good man and he’s a very smart man, but sometimes I think he is a very emotional man and he made some mischief with this letter,” said Zaganar.

    None of the commission members have been offered an official explanation for the dismissals, although Thein Sein is set to issue a statement on Monday. The removal of Nyunt Maung Shein in particular has left his fellow commissioners baffled, as he has no known connection to the controversial letter, despite being a colleague of Tin Maung Than.

    The multi-faith commission was established by presidential decree in August to investigate the country’s worst communal riots in decades, which pitted Buddhist Arakanese against Muslim Rohingyas in June and October, resulting in the deaths of more than 150 people and displacing 110,000. The government has faced stark international criticism for their handling of the crisis.

    On Monday, the commission announced that it would delay its findings until March, pending additional research into the latest bout of violence. An interim report will be presented to President Thein Sein on 16 November.

    Tags: Arakan statecommissionRNDPthein sein

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    11 Comments

    1. Joseph Htoomyat Thu says:
      8 November 2012 at 1:32 pm

      Let so-called Rohingyas Bengalis establish their own free state. This state shall be called “Islamic Republic of Rohingyas” and will be the legal member of the UNITED NATIONS and OIC.
      And then, Norway government will establish the news agency namely Democratic Voice of Rohingyas.

      Sorry, don’t mind me. Just fiction.

      Reply
    2. N Nabi says:
      8 November 2012 at 6:50 pm

      Another form of Military rule for Muslims in Burma.
      Lets see how the west look in to it.
      The sanctions has been removed. West
      needs investment in Burma. Dont care for Rohinga.

      Reply
    3. Min Thu says:
      9 November 2012 at 6:26 am

      Myanmar need real Education. Real Education could be solute this problem.
      Real Education never destroy their society, country or world. Real Education have peace, freedom, and understand each other. Real Education create peace society and understating society. Last 20 years ago Myanmar have been created false education. now Myanmar is facing these result. So We should be create Real Education in Myanmar.

      Reply
    4. N Nabi says:
      9 November 2012 at 4:41 pm

      Thank you Min Thu for your comment
      about Real Educatin.
      I will advice Suu Kyi to get some education on peace, ethnic freedom.

      I will request the President to reinstate the 2 Muslim members.
      You cannot run any more military rule any more to get Western Aid.

      Reply
    5. Burmese Eyes says:
      10 November 2012 at 7:46 am

      These men from Burma in Japan don’t look Burmese at all. As they themselves are Rohingyas, surely they would support Rohingyas.
      Seeing the truth is real education.

      Reply
    6. Junaid Alam says:
      10 November 2012 at 7:16 pm

      Those who are openly releasing statements after statement to repell Rohingya aren’t bias? lets forget the Mr president as he is brainless, are the head of normal burmese people filled with pig’s dunk?

      Reply
    7. Htun Khin says:
      12 November 2012 at 3:12 pm

      United Nations has beeb working in Rakhine to promote education and health for Rohingya since 1994. Nothing happended. UN spent hundreds of millions of USD for Rohingya for many years but nothing happened.

      Reply
    8. MUSHTAQ NASIM says:
      13 November 2012 at 3:54 am

      Actually we need to invite general burmese people to visit Bangladesh and they can see and learn how to put minority population to success, peace and comfort along with majority ethnic population.

      Reply
    9. win says:
      14 November 2012 at 2:05 am

      Investigation Commissions throughout history have issued bias reports. For example, Commission on Rice riot in Akyab, Sittwe and Commission on Phone Maw case in 1988. Do you think this report will be fair? Yes, I think so if all of the members are like Sagana.

      Reply
    10. pe says:
      15 November 2012 at 10:24 am

      I must agree with “win” regarding the Commission Report. Is is impossible for 20 plus individuals with strong personal opinions and prejudices to come up with a clear cut conclusion! Unless, as win said, the members are like Zaganar. Unfortunately , we cannot find 20 odd fair-minded individuals like Zaganar in our country at this point!

      Reply
    11. moha_med says:
      21 November 2012 at 6:53 pm

      Zargnar’s son is now attending school in US with Saudi Sponsor. Please don’t sensor my comment.

      Reply
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