Rakhine people call for peace

Rakhine people have urged the government to ensure peace, tranquillity and the rule of law during a national celebration held in Yangon on Sunday. 

The 39th Anniversary of Rakhine State Day was held at the National Races Village and 2,000 people attended the ceremony to demand peace and the country’s laws be upheld.

“Rakhine people submitted three proposals that are: Rakhine state will enjoy rapid development, peace and tranquillity, rule of law and perpetuation of the sovereignty in the entire nation. Three proposals were supported by those attendees. This is a public desire,” said Zaw Aye Maung, Yangon regional minister for Rakhine national races affairs.

He added that they would submit a report of the public desire to the government. Rakhine State Day emerged after the 1974 Constitution designated both Rakhine and Mon as “states” within the Union of Myanmar. It is celebrated every December 15.

Rakhine people participated in traditional events and dances at the ceremony. Ayeyawady region hosted the first-ever Rakhine State Day at Chaungtha Beach.

Sectarian conflict has severely crippled the western Rakhine state since 2012, and tens of thousands of victims have lost their properties and lives. President Thein Sein visited Rakhine state after clashes occurred in Thandwe township at the end of September and in early October of this year.