Mizzima.com-Apr 3
The London-based Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) released a statement on 1 April calling on the international community to help Muslims in Myanmar as they are attacked by the junta and face junta-fomented hate speech, violence and discrimination. Below is a statement released by the BHRN about the situation. BHRN has been monitoring conflict, hate speech trends on social media, printed materials, and propaganda disseminated by the military for several years, and recent events have been deeply troubling. During the early quarter of 2024, we observed a high risk of escalating religious violence targeting Muslim minorities (Rohingya, Kaman, Pathi, Pashu, Panthay and Myaydu) in Burma. At the same time, conscription laws further put Muslim lives at risk. On 30 March, the military junta brutally bombarded Hsi-Hseng City in Southern Shan State with airstrikes. Much of the attack targeted civilian areas, and a major mosque and other religious buildings were destroyed. Places of worship should be given particular protection, but the Tatmadaw has made a point of targeting Muslim religious sites. The Burmese military has a history of fueling anti-Muslim sentiments and perpetuating violence against Muslim communities. The military’s illegitimate hold on power continues amidst the Spring Revolution and territorial conflicts, prompting the military junta to implement conscription laws due to manpower shortages. However, this move has cornered the Muslim population, which was already under persecution. BHRN has noted with alarm the concerted efforts of extremist nationalist groups and influential monks, frequently aligned with the military, in orchestrating a deliberate campaign to stoke public resentment against minority Muslim communities. This insidious manipulation not only serves the military’s agenda but also deepens societal divisions, resulting in heightened violence against vulnerable groups. Read more at:
