Govt slams Rakhine 'exaggeration'

The ministry said some foreign individuals and international media have been making “unfounded news” on incidents in Rakhine.

“Rakhine violence is neither a conflict between two religious groups holding different opinions nor a humanitarian problem. The riots are only based on the criminal offence, leaving 88 people dead including 31 Rakhine nationals and 57 Bengalis,” the release stated.

“Houses and religious structures from both communities were also burnt down. In reviewing the riots, it was not a case of persecution or oppression by one race to another. For this, the government immediately formed an investigation committee and took actions in line with the law. The government has never practised any terrorism policy against Muslims or any other religion. As a result of that, the government totally rejects accusations made by some organisations of such a violennt policy,” it added.

The ministry pointed out that the government has invited international officials including Vijay Nambiar, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Thomas Ojea Quintana and Assis-tant Secretary-General of the Organisation for Islamic Coopera-tion (OIC) Atta Al-manam Bakhit to be observers. The government has also invited the OIC secretary-general to visit Myanmar.

“The government will not accept any attempt to exaggerate the Rakhine riot to be a regional or international religious issue. Such attempt will not help find solutions to the problem, but lead to further complications,” the release said. 

“Outside interference and instigation should be stopped because it can harm the already-restored peace and stability. Assistance and encouragement should be given to the victims for their rehabilitation and reconciliation,” it added.