500 Thousands of Houses Torched, Hindus and Buddhists Targeted [Rakhine, Myanmar]

(Reported as seen)

In the wake of escalating communal tensions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, a disturbing wave of violence has engulfed the region, leaving devastation in its wake. Reports indicate that over 5,000 houses, predominantly belonging to Hindus and Buddhists, have been torched in Buthidaung, just 25 kilometers from the Bangladesh border. This appalling act of destruction, occurring between April 11th and 21st, has displaced countless families and exacerbated an already dire situation.

The targeted nature of these attacks is particularly alarming. Many residents, fearing for their lives, have fled to safer areas, leaving behind homes that were looted and burned before their very eyes. It is deeply distressing to learn that conscripts, including young boys from Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, were reportedly used in this operation, further perpetuating the cycle of violence and suffering.

Buthidaung, once a place of relative tranquility, is now under the control of the ethnic rebel group Arakan Army. The sudden escalation of violence has shattered the lives of its residents, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike. With communal tensions simmering for years, this recent spate of destruction only serves to deepen the wounds of an already fractured society.

The plight of the Rohingya refugees, who have sought shelter in neighboring Bangladesh, adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding tragedy. Despite hopes for repatriation expressed by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud, the road to reconciliation remains fraught with challenges. The Rohingyas, like many others who have fled Myanmar, face uncertain futures and daunting survival challenges in the absence of livelihood opportunities.

As the monsoon season approaches, bringing with it temporary respite from the violence, it is imperative that the international community steps up its efforts to address the root causes of this conflict. The targeting of minority communities, the forced conscription of vulnerable individuals, and the wanton destruction of homes cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

In these dark times, solidarity and compassion must prevail. We stand in solidarity with the victims of communal violence in Myanmar, and we urge all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability.