Rakhine ethnic groups meet in Yangon
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The first-ever meeting of representatives of major ethnic groups in Rakhine State was held in Yangon on February 17 to find a solution to the violence in the state, sources said.
Rakhine ethnic organisations, Kaman ethnic groups and related organisations met in Yangon on the day to build mutual understanding among the communities in conflict-hit Rakhine State.
The 88 Generation Students Group’s Peace and Open Society organised the meeting, which was attended by Rakhine parties and organisations such as the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, Arakan League for Democracy (1990), Kaman National Progressive Party, Kaman League for Democracy (1990) as well as representatives from the Maramagyi ethnic group, one of the major ethnic groups in Rakhine.
They discussed the building of mutual understanding among the recognised ethnic groups of the state.
“The key points for misunderstanding between the communities were discussed openly. We searched for the ways to rebuild mutual understanding at the meeting,” said organiser Ko Ko Gyi.
He also added that they would try to speed up reconciliation process in the state when it regains stability and rule of law.
“Peace for the Rakhine is peace for the whole country. So we will have to work together towards peace for the whole country,” said Khin Saw Tint from the Rakhine Literature and Cultural Development Group.
“We will conduct investigations to find out the truth and provide humanitarian assistance for people in need,” he said.
Scores of people were killed and tens of thousands displaced following the sectarian clashes between Muslim Rohingya and Buddhist Rakhines. Although the situation has improved, tension between the two communities continues. More than 70,000 internally displaced persons are living in 50 refugee camps scattered over Sittwe, Kyauktaw and Maungdaw townships in the state, according to a United Nations report.
The Rakhine Issue Investigation Commission will submit its final report to President Thein Sein on violence in the troubled state next month.
The final report is expected to be comprehensive and precise, encompassing causes and reasons for the conflict, the number of casualties, an assessment of property damage, and an assessment of law enforcement. It is also expected to examine laws and make recommendations for social and economic development in the state.
The report is based on numerous visits to conflict areas in the state and in-depth talks with its various groups.
