Government to conduct first-ever census in strife-torn Sittwe
Myanmar's Immigration and Population Ministry plans to conduct the first-ever census in Sittwe, Rakhine state. The move follows a meeting with 16 town elders in Sittwe attended by Defence Minister Lt-General Wai Lwin and President's Office Minister Tin Na
Rakhine state has been rocked by violence between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in recent months.
The government does not recognise Rohingyas as citizens.
Manpower at the Immigration Department has been increased so that the Sittwe census can be taken, according to the deputy immigration and population minister. Defence service personnel and police will assist in conducting the census, town elder Than Tun said.
Buddhists in Sittwe have told the ministers that it was impossible for them to co-exist with the Rohingya in the long term.
“Now it is impossible for us to live in coexistence. Separate living is the best for the two ethnic groups,” Than Tun said.
Regarding the 1982 citizenship law, the town elders accept that those who qualify should be granted citizenship. However, no one has discussed what to do with those who are not citizens yet, he said, adding that people are worried about this issue in Rakhine.
The Immigration Department conducted censuses in Pauktaw and Minpyar towns following the communal unrest in Rakhine state. Problem arose with the usage of the term “Muslim Bengali” in reference to the Rohingyas.
