Mizzima-May 23
194 revolutionary forces and civil society organizations (CSOs) have signed a statement expressing their concern about the way the Rohingya are being exploited for military and political gain by both sides in the Myanmar conflict. It points out that though some Rohingya groups, such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) are collaborating with the junta they do not represent all Rohingya and the Arakan Army (AA) should not treat Rohingya civilians badly because of the views and actions of such groups. Below is the statement in full: “Calling on organizations and individuals in Rakhine and across the country to immediately stop exploiting the lives, property and image of the oppressed Rohingya for political and military use. The terrorist military junta has consistently oppressed and committed torture, killings, genocide, and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya. Currently, with forced conscription orders, the military junta is forcibly using Rohingya as human shields and soldiers to perpetrate violence on its behalf. In addition to the fact that the military junta is working to create such ethnic conflict, the revolutionary forces and the public need to be especially prudent, aware, and understanding that the Rohingya people—who do not have a choice and face unparalleled hardships, having been locked down for many years—are being forced into patterns that the terrorist military junta wants to portray. We are raising these concerns constructively, and we will support and strengthen activities for the peaceful coexistence and long-term stability of various ethnicities and religions in the future Arakan [Rakhine]. We pledge to continue supporting the revolution that aims for the liberation of all people living in every part of Arakan. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/05/23/10174
