The Irrawaddy Magazine |
- Rohingya Flee as More Than 2,600 Houses Burned in Rakhine
- Soar in Dubious Twitter Accounts Since Rakhine Attacks
- Rakhine Attacks: How Should the Military and Govt Respond?
- This Week in Parliament (August 28-31)
| Rohingya Flee as More Than 2,600 Houses Burned in Rakhine Posted: 02 Sep 2017 07:40 AM PDT COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh — More than 2,600 houses have been burned down in Rohingya-majority areas of Myanmar's northwest in the last week, the government said on Saturday, in one of the deadliest bouts of violence involving the Muslim minority in decades. About 58,600 Rohingya have fled into neighboring Bangladesh from Myanmar, according to UN refugee agency UNHCR, as aid workers there struggle to cope. Myanmar officials blamed the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) for the burning of the homes. The group claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on security posts last week that prompted clashes and a large army counter-offensive. But Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh say a campaign of arson and killings by the Myanmar Army is aimed at trying to force them out. The treatment of Myanmar's roughly 1.1 million Rohingya is the biggest challenge facing leader Aung San Suu Kyi, accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the Muslim minority that has long complained of persecution. The clashes and army crackdown have killed nearly 400 people and more than 11,700 "ethnic residents" have been evacuated from the area, the government said, referring to the non-Muslim residents. It marks a dramatic escalation of a conflict that has simmered since October, when a smaller Rohingya attack on security posts prompted a military response dogged by allegations of rights abuses. "A total of 2,625 houses from Kotankauk, Myinlut and Kyikanpyin villages and two wards in Maungtaw were burned down by the ARSA extremist terrorists," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said. The group has been declared a terrorist organization by the government. But Human Rights Watch, which analyzed satellite imagery and accounts from Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, said the Myanmar security forces deliberately set the fires. "New satellite imagery shows the total destruction of a Muslim village, and prompts serious concerns that the level of devastation in northern Rakhine State may be far worse than originally thought," said the group's deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson. Full Capacity Near the Naf river separating Myanmar and Bangladesh, new arrivals in Bangladesh carrying their belongings in sacks set up crude tents or tried to squeeze into available shelters or homes of locals. "The existing camps are near full capacity and numbers are swelling fast. In the coming days there needs to be more space," said UNHCR regional spokeswoman Vivian Tan, adding more refugees were expected. The Rohingya are denied citizenship in Myanmar and regarded as illegal immigrants, despite claiming roots that date back centuries. Bangladesh is also growing increasingly hostile to Rohingya, more than 400,000 of whom live in the poor South Asian country after fleeing Myanmar since the early 1990s. Jalal Ahmed, 60, who arrived in Bangladesh on Friday with a group of about 3,000 after walking from Kyikanpyin for almost a week, said he believed the Rohingya were being pushed out of Myanmar. Reuters could not independently verify these accounts as access for independent journalists to northern Rakhine has been restricted since security forces locked down the area in October. Speaking to soldiers, government staff and Rakhine Buddhists affected by the conflict on Friday, army chief Min Aung Hlaing said there is no "oppression or intimidation" against the Muslim minority and "everything is within the framework of the law." "The Bengali problem was a long-standing one which has become an unfinished job," he said, using a term used by many in Myanmar to refer to the Rohingya that suggests they come from Bangladesh. Many aid programs running in northern Rakhine prior to the outbreak of violence, including life-saving food assistance by the World Food Programme (WFP), have been suspended since the fighting broke out. "Food security indicators and child malnutrition rates in Maungdaw were already above emergency thresholds before the violence broke out, and it is likely that they will now deteriorate even further," said Pierre Peron, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Myanmar. More than 80,000 children may need treatment for malnutrition in northern Rakhine and many of them reported "extreme" food insecurity, WFP said in July. In Bangladesh, Tan of UNHCR said more shelters and medical care were needed. "There's a lot of pregnant women and lactating mothers and really young children, some of them born during the flight. They all need medical attention," she said. Among new arrivals, 22-year-old Tahara Begum gave birth to her second child in a forest on the way to Bangladesh. "It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done," she said. The post Rohingya Flee as More Than 2,600 Houses Burned in Rakhine appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Soar in Dubious Twitter Accounts Since Rakhine Attacks Posted: 01 Sep 2017 10:06 PM PDT YANGON — More than 1,500 Twitter accounts posting provocative hashtags and messages commenting on the violence in Rakhine State were launched days after the Aug. 25 attacks. Many of the accounts were posting identical tweets, had screen names ending in digits and used the default Twitter profile image—all bot-like activity common in automated accounts, said Raymond Serrato, a digital researcher and analyst who works on governance and democracy in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Serrato, who retrieved the data using Twitter's Search API, said from August 23-30, there were 13,137 tweets that included the hashtag #Bengali, a term used by many in the government and Myanmar to describe the Muslim Rohingya, implying they are interlopers from Bangladesh. These tweets came from a total of 3,605 users, with an average of three tweets per account. Of these accounts, 1,647 were created in the days following militant attacks on police stations in northern Rakhine that triggered ethnic violence, an army crackdown, and the exodus of tens of thousands of people in the region.  Serrato gauged the tweets' content by analyzing the sentiment of words found in them such as "kill" and "extremist." Nine accounts posting such terms were created on Aug. 25, with the number rising to 93 on Aug. 26, 328 on Aug. 27, and 773 on Aug. 28 before sloping to 383 on Aug. 29. Similarly, Serrato noted an increase in new bot-like accounts: three on Aug. 25, 22 on Aug. 26, 77 on Aug. 27, 191 on Aug. 28 and then 96 on Aug. 29. "I also discovered other accounts with strong bot-like traits, but which are harder to detect using machine scanning, such as accounts that use screen names like @6fb55a2399a042b," he said over email. "All of these accounts also posted duplicate tweets, often only changing the images associated with them or one or two characters in the tweet's text. Spellings sometimes differ from tweet to tweet too, which hints at human users curating the accounts."  The following tweet had the most cloned posts from separate accounts in the data—57 altogether: "Extremist #Bengali terrorists kill six innocent Hindi in #MYANMAR, August 27 #UN" The government declared Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) a terrorist organization soon after the group's early morning offensive on 30 police stations and an army base on Aug. 25, which it stated was a step toward restoring the rights of the stateless Rohingya. This post from the official page of Myanmar's State Counselor received the highest number of retweets—841—in the data, although the tweet has since been deleted: "RT @MyanmarSC: #Extremist #Bengali #terrorists torch their homes Read More==> https://t.co/TQrB2bDMEn https://t.co/4UMgVXEAGq)." Out of the accounts, 527 have the default Twitter profile image and 505 accounts contain screen names ending in a sequence of eight digits. "Both these traits are strong indications of bots, but can also point to the setup of the many accounts in haste, where users select Twitter's suggestion of a string of numbers after the name," said Serrato. "It's impossible to know who could be behind the setup of these mass accounts. All the tweets are in English, which strengthens the argument that they are intended primarily for an international or Western audience," he added. Serrato said he was not aware of accounts posting views against the government's stance in a similar pattern. Taking to Twitter In a country where Facebook reigns supreme, with an estimated 14 million users out of a population of nearly 53 million, the terse format of Twitter is yet to catch on. But in the wake of the recent attacks, some social media users are eyeing the social media site as the next platform to spread their views. Digital marketer and blogger Maungthargi, also known as Khing Soe Aung, posted on Facebook a step-by-step guide on using Twitter, including instructions to follow and retweet the official State Counselor account, and to use hashtags #Bengali #Myanmar and #Stopterroristssupport. The guide, which amassed 1,000 likes and nearly the same amount of shares, also accused those connected with the Rohingya community of spreading fake videos, asking users to report them. "When people around the world only see fake news about the Rohingya case posted by the Rohingya, they will misjudge the situation. That's why we are encouraging Myanmar people to use Twitter, and to let the world know the truth," Maungthargi told The Irrawaddy. On reports of automated Twitter accounts, he added, "That is right. Those fake accounts spreading hate speech and arousing people's anger are absolutely worth being reported." Rakhine Information Wars Yangon-based independent analyst David Matheison described the influx of seemingly pro-government Twitter accounts in recent days since the ARSA attacks as a "disturbing escalation in the social media wars around Rakhine." "Where this activity is stemming from is still a mystery, but it could indicate pro-government social media activists expanding their presence on Twitter to counter the ARSA messaging," he said, adding that the social media platform has typically been the domain of foreigners in Myanmar. Mathieson described the tweets as "racist propaganda slogans" that are "a worrying development that will render marshaling the facts of the complex conflict in Rakhine even more difficult." If Twitter becomes the social media battleground between ARSA, Rohingya activists and the government and their supporters, either in society or the military, "then truth on Rakhine has all but ended," he finished. Yangon regional lawmaker Nay Phone Latt, who has campaigned against online hate speech, cannot imagine Myanmar's public flocking to Twitter when they are comfortable posting in the Myanmar language on Facebook. But he welcomed a recent change to the name of the State Counselor Office Information Committee's Facebook page to the "Information Committee" on Aug. 29. "Some of the news was biased and not the opinion of the State Counselor," he said. "They did not obey a good standard. Sometimes they posted things they should not have." The State Counselor's Office Facebook page has previously dismissed independent reports of rape and atrocities in Rakhine. Created following militant attacks on border guard posts in the state in October 2016, a government spokesperson announced on Wednesday the page had been changed to show it represents the military, home, foreign and border affairs ministries, and the President's Office as well as the State Counselor's Office. People must be careful about the words they use, said Nay Phone Latt, adding that terminology such as "Islamic State" should not be used to describe the situation in Rakhine. "Some groups who want to create violence use the Rakhine issue and try to ignite the flame in other places," he said. "Only one word can make a big problem." The post Soar in Dubious Twitter Accounts Since Rakhine Attacks appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Rakhine Attacks: How Should the Military and Govt Respond? Posted: 01 Sep 2017 09:52 PM PDT Kyaw Zwa Moe: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! This week, we'll discuss the intensified conflict in Rakhine State. As everyone knows, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked about 30 police outposts in the early morning of August 25. So far about 100 people and more than 10 security personnel have been killed. From this, we can conclude that the Rakhine State problem has reached a new level. In the aftermath of the attacks, the government declared ARSA as a terrorist group. The Tatmadaw has also started clearance operations. The Belgium-based International Crisis Group (ICG), which analyzes crises across the world, issued a statement on August 27, which provides a recommendation to the Myanmar government and Tatmadaw. The statement said a disproportionate military response without any overarching political strategy would once again play directly into ARSA's hands. The Irrawaddy Burmese and English news editors Ko Ye Ni and Ko Kyaw Phyo Tha will join me to discuss this. I'm Irrawaddy English editor Kyaw Zwa Moe. Ko Kyaw Phyo Tha, ICG said a disproportionate military response without any overarching political strategy would once again play directly into ARSA's hands. What does that mean?
Kyaw Phyo Tha: It seems that ARSA has predicted a certain result from its attacks this time. The government and especially the Tatmadaw would respond to its attacks. If there is a disproportionate military response…it [ARSA] wanted to recreate the same situation as October, 2016. That time, the military responses drew considerable criticism from the international community. That's what ARSA wanted this time too, so that the Rakhine issue would be more highlighted on the international stage. That is its end. KZM: They attacked police outposts in October, 2016. Then, Tatmadaw and security forces launched counter-attacks, which lasted for almost a month. Eventually this led to organizations like the United Nations raise questions and there were exaggerated claims of genocide. Now the government's counter-terrorism committee is responding. Ko Ye Ni, what is your assessment of the situation on the ground? YN: I agree with ICG's recommendations. I don't think the attacks in Maungdaw can be solved through military means alone. The State Counselor's Office and the government declared ARSA as a terrorist group, formally recognizing the arrival of terrorism in Myanmar, and declaring a war on terrorism. This reminds me of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in the United States in the recent past. The United States then launched wars on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Initially, the broad conception was that its attacks were targeted at Muslims. Then the United States had to explain that they were not targeting Muslims, but terrorism and that there were also Muslims who oppose terrorism, and Muslim countries that oppose terrorism were supporting the United States. So, taking a look at the nature of its war on terrorism, it is a long fight and calls for minimizing repercussions, adhering to international norms and soliciting support from other countries. This is the case for the Rakhine issue. As the ICG has pointed out, military response alone will worsen the circles of violence. And the military's blanket approach in countering terrorist attacks will play into the hands of the other side, which has claimed genocide. KZM: That is one of two points ICG has made—the principle of proportionality. It said the Myanmar government should only use force proportional to the militants. But if it uses excessive force, it will create big troubles for the government. Another point is how to distinguish between ARSA terrorists and their supporters and civilians, and provide humanitarian assistance to civilians. Otherwise there is a possibility that counter-terrorism operations will be labeled as genocide. There were such accusations following the clearance operations in the aftermath of the October attacks last year. So, ICG made a good point regarding this. Ko Kyaw Phyo Tha, what is your assessment? Many international media agencies have alleged that the military shot civilians in its operations. And local media agencies still don't have access to the area. KPT: I've talked about this with many analysts. They have said it is important that the government and the military have a unanimous decision on resolving the ongoing attacks. Because it is no longer a domestic issue, but reached the international stage. They said they heard that ARSA was using children and women as a human shield. So, it is quite difficult for security forces to handle them. We can't leave this issue unsolved. This must be solved. Analysts pointed out that it is important that the government and the military make one decision regarding how to respond to those difficulties. Only then, will they be able to form a single voice and explain in the case of international allegations. KZM: What is politically interesting to see is that attacks in Buthidaung, Rathedaung and Maungdaw were launched on August 25 immediately after the Arakan State Advisory Commission led by former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan released its report and provided recommendations for the government. This shows that ARSA and their followers do not accept the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission. The commission was established last year. The government gave a mandate to the commission, but only for providing recommendations. That time, three institutions opposed the formation of the commission—the Arakan National Party (ANP), the previous ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), and military representatives to Parliament. A motion was submitted to reject the commission in Parliament. But it failed, so the commission was formed. After the commission released its report [which was followed by attacks in Maungdaw], State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi immediately released a statement with her signature that terrorist attacks would not stop or deter her government from implementing the recommendations of the commission. This is an interesting point, I think. The military has completely different ideologies from the ARSA. They will do nothing else but fight them. But from a political point of view, it is an interesting thing to see. YN: As Ko Kyaw Zwa has said, if the operation has reached a level of counter-terrorism, there must be new insights that fit the new level, and new approaches must be made to solve the conflict. If the government takes the same approach, the problem won't be solved. And taking a look at the attacks, we can clearly see how strongly [ARSA] has built its influence among the villagers by exploiting their grievances and anger. How can we reduce their influence and make [Rohingya people] owe allegiance back to the jurisdiction of our country? We already have an answer for this. The Kofi Annan commission's report has provided recommendations. I think it is better [for authorities] to do what they can rather than saying they can do nothing, otherwise the circle of attacks would start again. KZM: What Ko Kyaw Phyo Tha has pointed out is also very important. It is important that the government and the military are in the same place. And surely, Arakanese people, and parties like the ANP that represents them make one voice. If they have different views, I'm afraid places like Maungdaw and Rathedaung will become a breeding ground for terrorist groups. If that is the case, problems may arise in the years to come as Ko Ye Ni has mentioned. It all will depend on cooperation between the country's leaders, military leaders, leaders of Rakhine parties, Arakanese leaders and surely the leaders of the Muslim population in Rakhine State. Thank you for your contribution. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Rakhine Attacks: How Should the Military and Govt Respond? appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| This Week in Parliament (August 28-31) Posted: 01 Sep 2017 08:51 PM PDT Monday (August 28) In the Lower House, lawmaker U Thet Naing Oo raised a question about the progress of the long-delayed Dawei Special Economic Zone. Deputy commerce minister U Aung Htoo said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is conducting a master plan survey to revive the project suspended in 2013. The Lower House approved lawmaker U Kyaw Aung Lwin's proposal which called for responsible and sustainable extraction of Myanmar's gems and minerals. In the Upper House, member of parliament Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye asked about the Central Bank of Myanmar's measures to ensure Kyats are used instead of foreign currency in border towns such as Muse, Tachilek, Myawady, Kawthoung, and Tamu on the China, Thailand and India borders. Vice-Governor of the Central Bank U Bo Bo Nge said the bank has opened exchange counters in those towns and action will be taken against those who use foreign currency. The Upper House approved lawmaker Dr Win Myint's proposal to establish a fishery university for sustainable development of the country's fishing industry and domestic food sufficiency. Tuesday (August 29) The Lower House voted down parliamentarian Dr. Maung Thin's proposal which urged the government to develop DNA profiles of each ethnic group in Myanmar. The Upper House approved to debate lawmaker U Khin Myo Win's proposal to regulate fishing and fishery exports for the conservation of Myanmar's water resources, and the sustainability of fishing industry. Wednesday (August 30) In Lower House, lawmaker U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo asked if the government has a plan to appoint graduates of education universities and college to schools to meet demand for teachers. Union education minister Dr Myo Thein Gyi said that his ministry has appointed 482 graduates from universities of education, and 9,953 from education colleges, totaling 10,435, as teachers to schools across the country in the 2017-18 fiscal year. The Upper House approved lawmaker U Khin Maung Latt's proposal to take action against suspected militants in northern Rakhine State under the 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law and help locals who have fled their homes because of killings in the area. Thursday (August 31) The fifth regular session of the two houses come to an end on Thursday. The Union Parliament during the fifth regular session enacted eight new laws, amended 11 laws and scrapped one law. In the Lower House, over 1,000 questions were asked and answered, 23 motions including two urgent proposals were submitted—11 were approved. The Lower House debated 33 bills and approved 16 of them. In the Upper House, over 400 questions and answers were asked and answered, and four proposals were approved. According to Lower House Speaker U Win Myint, no lawmaker proposed amending the controversial colonial-era Unlawful Association Act during the fifth regular session. He also denied the military representatives' allegations that he blocked their proposals about the attacks in Rakhine State. No military representative submitted such a proposal, he said. The post This Week in Parliament (August 28-31) appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Irrawaddy. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
