Friday, January 11, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

A Close-Up Look at Mergui Archipelago’s Nascent Eco-Tourism Industry

Posted: 11 Jan 2019 07:18 AM PST

MYEIK, Tanintharyi Region—With its pristine natural islands and Moken "sea gypsy" tribes—whose way of life is rapidly disappearing—the Mergui Archipelago has long held a special fascination as a travel destination for outsiders.

Myeik town itself is famous for its pearl shops, edible-nest swiftlet, fish, shrimp and crab farms, as well its British colonial-era structures. A walk around downtown and along the Strand Road will let you admire the architecture and allow you to enjoy the local attractions. 

 

Myanmar pearls are available at the Royal Pearl Shop in downtown Myeik, an area with many old colonial-era buildings. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy 

 

Beyond Myeik lie the islands of the archipelago, which were long closed to outsiders, especially foreigners, but reopened about five years ago.

Since the tourism business in the region took off in 2014, travelers have been able to take package tours to some 20 islands out of more than 800 in the archipelago. You can take a day trip or stay overnight to enjoy the natural surroundings. Travelers can also observe the way of life of the local people.

The tourism industry provides hundreds of locals with employment as tour guides, travel agency staff and boat workers. Some 40 travel agencies are currently operating, according to U Khin Maung Nyo, the secretary of the Myeik Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (MTEA).

Myeik's tourism sector has also opened up opportunities for niche businesses like boat-makers and is providing skills training for locals to become tour guides. It has also seen the development of community-based and other forms of responsible tourism.

But as the industry develops, it faces the challenge of how to sustain growth without damaging the natural environment.

The marine life of the Mergui Archipelago region has long been under threat due to overfishing and blast fishing. These days, another challenge has emerged: plastic waste.

As part of efforts to protect the local ecosystem and preserve marine biodiversity, the MTEA has urged its members to follow a list of rules for maintaining a clean environment.

"We instruct staff and tour guides not to throw litter on the islands or into the sea, and to pick up litter from the islands whenever we are there," said U Khin Maung Nyo.

This writer encountered plastic waste both on the islands and in the sea during a recent visit. On one occasion, the tour boat had to stop in the middle of the sea as plastic waste had gotten caught in the propeller; after it was removed, the trip continued.

"In December we started to use glass bottles for drinking water, instead of plastic ones, in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the sea," explained U Myint Than, marketing manager of the Mergui Dolphins Travel and Tour company. His company introduced the idea of providing reusable bottles for drinking water and eco-friendly food packaging, and has encouraged other companies to follow suit.

Locals are trying to promote responsible tourism, while also being eager to move forward with building permanent bungalows and hotel resorts for travelers on the islands.

Yet, despite entering the business four years ago, they still have not obtained permission to do so, said U Aung San, assistant manager of Blue Ocean Star Resort and Travel Company.

Currently, only a few islands in the south of the archipelago, near Kawthaung Township in the deep south of Myanmar, have hotels and resorts.

U Aung San said the company he works for was permitted to run eco-tourism activities, camping, a restaurant and eco-friendly buildings on Marcus Island (also known as Lay Kyun, or Harris Island), but they are not yet allowed to build hotels or permanent buildings on it.

 

Tourists play football on the beach at Lay Kyun (also known as Marcus Island or Harris Island). / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

 

 

On day trips, the tour boats drop travelers off for a few hours on Lay Kyun, where they can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, resting on the pristine white sands and exploring the island. It takes about one hour from the jetty in Myeik to reach this island by speedboat.

It is the only island on which foreigners are currently allowed to stay overnight, with government permission.

What I love about Lay Kyun is that all the facilities on the island are made from natural materials. This encourages travelers to practice eco-tourism. The restaurant on the island is clean and the local food is delicious. Moreover, all of its structures are made from environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo and timber.

 

Part of the restaurant building on Lay Kyun / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

 

To properly explore Myeik's various islands and the local people's way of life, you'll need at least three days. The islands are about 15 minutes to two hours' ride away by speedboat. There are two or three islands that can be reached for a day trip, which is enough to get a brief experience of the archipelago's amazing natural scenery. Travelers can also take cruises to the islands, but locals prefer to take smaller boats on day trips.

There are several other islands where tour boats take visitors for snorkeling around coral reef and sea grass areas, and to enjoy the waterfalls on islands where fresh water runs into the sea, and observe fish farms. Tours of pearl-producing operations on some islands can also be booked.

 

Tourists enjoy a white sandy beach in a cove on Smart Island. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

 

If you're looking purely to relax and enjoy the beach, Smart Island is another option. It has two beaches; on one side is a beach with pure white sand, while the other has a stony shore. Locals enjoy camping on this island, but permission has not yet been granted for bathroom facilities to be built here. Tour agencies are pushing to secure permission.

Another island travelers should not miss is Drakes Island (or Daung Kyun). Tour operators can arrange a lunch of local dishes on the island at Done Nyaung Hmine village.

The village has ethnic Moken, Bamar and Karen residents and community-based tourism is practiced.

This area, too, has a white sandy beach, which is a good spot to relax on and meet Moken families (also known as Salone or "sea gypsies"). The village is home to some 70 Moken people. Tourists can meet and chat with them and learn a little bit about their way of life. It can be hard to meet the adult men, however, as they stay out at sea fishing for months.

Every boat that docks on the islands must pay 5,000 kyats to the island committees. The funds support Moken children's education, health and vocational skills training, according to tour guide Ko Zay Yar Min.

The post A Close-Up Look at Mergui Archipelago's Nascent Eco-Tourism Industry appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Two Years After U Ko Ni Assassination, Key Witnesses Yet to Testify

Posted: 11 Jan 2019 04:24 AM PST

YANGON—A number of key witnesses surrounding the assassination of National League for Democracy's legal advisor U Ko Ni are yet to testify in court despite the 100th hearing having taken place on Friday.

The 63-year-old lawyer was gunned down at Yangon International Airport two years ago this month. So far, four suspects—Kyi Lin, Aung Win Zaw, Aung Win Tun and Zeya Phyo—have been arrested and brought to trial though Aung Win Khaing, believed to be the mastermind behind the conspiracy, remains at large. He was last seen in Naypyitaw in February 2017.

Since the beginning of the trial in March 2017, almost all witnesses for the plaintiff have testified in court. Despite witnesses for the defendant beginning their testimonies in July 2018, some key witnesses are yet to testify—including the police colonel who was chief of airport security at the time U Ko Ni was gunned down. Another is the wife of the accused Zeya Phyo.

Police Col. Win Min Thein, deputy chief of the Yangon Police Force, has yet to appear in court despite being summoned three times, each time giving the excuse that he is too busy to attend court. One of the accused, Aung Win Zaw, revealed in his testimony last year that he and his brother, Aung Win Khaing, had met with the police colonel for "some business" shortly before the lawyer's assassination on Jan. 29, 2017.

In Friday's hearing, another three witnesses submitted by Zeya Phyo didn't appear in court, causing the judge to remove their names from the witness list. If the remaining major witnesses, including Win Min Thein, fail to show up for hearings in the coming weeks, they are also likely to be dropped from the list.

If there are no more witnesses to testify, counter-claims from both sides will be heard before a verdict is reached.

One of the plaintiff lawyers U Nay La told the media that he expected the case will be concluded within the next month.

As for Aung Win Khaing, the suspect still at large, plaintiff lawyer U Khin Maung Htay said that if the suspect is arrested later he would testify separately.

The post Two Years After U Ko Ni Assassination, Key Witnesses Yet to Testify appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Confederation the Only Option for Arakanese People, AA Chief Says

Posted: 11 Jan 2019 12:34 AM PST

YANGON—The political objective of the Arakan Army (AA), an Arakanese ethnic armed group currently clashing with the Myanmar Army, is to obtain confederate status for Rakhine State, AA chief Major-General Tun Myat Naing told The Irrawaddy.

"We prefer [a confederation of states] like Wa State, which has a larger share of power in line with the Constitution," said Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing, referring to the status of the AA's ally, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), adding that a confederation is "better" than federalism.

"And we think it [a confederation] is more appropriate to the history of Rakhine State and the hopes of the Arakanese people," he said.

"In a confederation, we have the authority to make decisions on our own. But there would be a common defense system. And there would be cooperation on market regulation and foreign affairs. To have control over our own destiny—self-determination—is the aspiration of every ethnic group. We can try," he said.

Resource-rich Rakhine State is home to a number of strategic projects, but the Arakanese people do not benefit from them and live in poverty, he said.

The armed group has come under the spotlight after staging deadly attacks on border police outposts in Rakhine State's Buthidaung Township on Jan. 4, prompting the President's Office to  instruct the Defence Ministry, which oversees the Myanmar Army (or Tatmadaw), to launch attacks on it, including air strikes if necessary.

Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing said the AA, which has won popular support among the Arakanese people both inside and outside Rakhine State, upholds the general policy drafted by the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), a bloc of seven ethnic armed groups based on Myanmar's northeastern border and led by the UWSA.

The FPNCC has put forward its general policy as an alternative to the government-proposed Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement as an instrument for joining the peace process. It details 15 demands and proposes a confederate system as the future structure of the state.

It calls for allowing ethnic states to maintain their own armies, whereas the Tatmadaw insists there can only be one army. It also calls for granting complete authority to local governments regarding independent jurisdiction, legislation, resource exploitation and taxation.

Regarding the AA's operations in Chin State's Paletwa on the Myanmar-India border, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing said he is working to reassure the Indian government that it need not be concerned by its activities.

Ethnic affairs analyst U Maung Maung Soe said, "It is true that ethnic armed groups like the Wa and Mongla have autonomy. They think they will be able to develop their areas if they have such autonomy."

The armed clashes will intensify if the Tatmadaw refuses to accept the confederate goal of the ethnic armed groups, he said.

"The Wa and Mongla are existing problems. If the same problem occurs in a new place, I think heavy fighting will recur. I don't want to comment on whether it is right or wrong. Everyone has his own opinion about federation versus confederation," he said.

Daw Aye Nu Sein, the vice chairperson of the Arakan National Party, declined to comment on the political objective of the AA.

However, she pointed out that when the ANP submitted a paper detailing the demands and aspirations of the Arakanese people to the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference, it was criticized as having exceeded the boundaries of federalism.

"We have abundant resources we can utilize to develop our region. But due to the [current] system of government, Rakhine State is the least [developed] among the 14 regions and states," Daw Aye Nu Sein said.

The post Confederation the Only Option for Arakanese People, AA Chief Says appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

President’s Office Demands Apology from BBC Burmese Over Video Blunder

Posted: 11 Jan 2019 12:30 AM PST

NAYPYITAW—Myanmar's President's Office has demanded that the BBC publish an official apology for using effects while broadcasting live a press conference from the President's Office on Monday.

The President's Office on Wednesday sent a letter to Myanmar Press Council, asking them to ask the BBC to issue a formal apology. The council has said it would discuss what steps to take and reply to them, deputy director general of the President's Office U Tint Swe told The Irrawaddy.

"As a branded media agency, they should not make such a mistake. They should be very careful because [they are] respected. We can't accept them calling it an error or oversight. It is fine if they apologize. They can apologize on their official page," he said.

As the BBC livestreamed the press conference on Monday evening at which the President's Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay spoke about Jan. 4 attacks carried out by the Arakan Army, the government spokesperson appeared with video effects applied to his face.

Nearly an hour later, the BBC said it was very sorry for the incident and that it stopped the livestream immediately after it spotted the mistake.

However, officials at the President's Office said that saying sorry is not enough of an apology. The BBC reporter who was responsible for the livestreaming of the press conference wrote a sorry note and posted it on his Facebook page.

The Press Council confirmed that it received the letter from the President's Office, and will mediate on the situation.

The post President's Office Demands Apology from BBC Burmese Over Video Blunder appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Court Rejects Appeal by Jailed Reuters Reporters

Posted: 11 Jan 2019 12:28 AM PST

YANGON—The Yangon High Court on Friday rejected the appeal of two Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of breaking the Official Secrets Act, saying the defense had not provided sufficient evidence to show they were innocent.

Ko Wa Lone, 32, and Ko Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were convicted by a lower court in September in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress toward democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

"It was a suitable punishment," said Judge Aung Naing, referring to the seven-year prison term meted out by the lower court.

The defense has the option of making a further appeal to the Supreme Court in Naypyitaw.

"Today's ruling is yet another injustice among many inflicted upon Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. They remain behind bars for one reason: Those in power sought to silence the truth," Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement.

"Reporting is not a crime, and until Myanmar rights this terrible wrong, the press in Myanmar is not free, and Myanmar's commitment to rule of law and democracy remains in doubt."

In their appeal arguments made last month, defense lawyers had cited evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. They told the appeal court that the lower court that tried the case had wrongly placed the burden of proof on the defendants.

The defense also said prosecutors had failed to prove the reporters gathered and collected secret information, sent information to an enemy of Myanmar or intended to harm national security.

The judge said the defendants did not follow journalistic ethics and that the court could not determine whether the arrest of the reporters was a trap.

Khine Khine Soe, a legal officer representing the government, told the appeal hearing the evidence showed the reporters had collected and kept confidential documents. He said they intended to harm national security and the national interest.

Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya men and boys by security forces and civilians in Rakhine State during an Army crackdown that began in August 2017.

The operation sent more than 730,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, according to UN estimates.

The post Court Rejects Appeal by Jailed Reuters Reporters appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Yangon Timeout

Posted: 10 Jan 2019 09:09 PM PST

Rose Comedy Live Show

Famous actors and actress will perform the comedy show directed by Mg Myo Min (Yin Twin Pyit).

Jan. 11 and 12 | 7 p.m. | Taw Win Garden Hotel | No.45 Pyay Road | Tickets 30,000 – 50,000 kyats, 100,000 kyats(VIP)

Yangon Farmer's Market

A growing community of farmers and producers come together weekly to sell fresh, local, healthy products including bread, veggies, eggs, plants, honey, coffee, tea, juice, salad and more.

Jan. 12 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Karaweik Compound | Kandawgyi Gardens, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township |

Brazlian & South American Music Night

Brazilian and South American music night, featuring musicians from Brazil, Taiwan, the Philippines and the US.

Saturday Jan. 12 | 7 p.m. | Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro| Sakura Tower, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Kyauktada Township

Emerald Art Exhibition

The second solo art show of painter Thett Naing Win is held to commemorate his 55-year artist career.

Jan. 12-15 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Gallery 65 | No. 65, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Township

Maker's Market

Meet the makers and designers behind Amazing Grace Souvenirs, Charlotte Bijou Design, E.B. Eco Candles and many more and enjoy craft activities, food vendors and music.

Jan. 13 | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Karaweik Compound | Kandawgyi Gardens, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township |

Yangon City at a Junction

A discussion with Prof. Kyaw Lat, architect and urban planner, on shaping the future of an attractive and livable metropolis.
Monday Jan. 14 | Goethe-Institute Myanmar | Corner of Kabar Aye Pagoda Road and Nat Mauk Street, Bahan Township

Philipp Klier Photo Exhibition

German photographer Philippe Klier (1845-1911) was one of a few to capture Myanmar soon after the invention of the camera. The exhibition opening will involve a seminar by Werner Kraus, expert on the history of Southeast Asian arts.

Tuesday Jan. 15 | 7 p.m. | Goethe-Institute Myanmar | Corner of Kabar Aye Pagoda Road and Nat Mauk Street, Bahan Township

Joint European Chambers Networking

The second edition of a networking event with seven European chambers. Registration mandatory.

Wednesday Jan. 16 | 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. | Novotel Hotel| Pyay Road, Kamayut Township

The post Yangon Timeout appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

India Launches National Anti-Pollution Program, But Experts Skeptical

Posted: 10 Jan 2019 08:40 PM PST

NEW DELHI—India on Thursday launched a program to rein in dangerous pollution levels in more than one hundred cities where the government said it expected to improve air quality significantly.

But the plan drew immediate criticism from environmentalists, who said it lacked a clear framework to tackle toxicity levels that have led to millions of deaths.

India is home to the world’s 14 most polluted cities, according to the World Health Organization. Toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives there in 2017, a study in Lancet Planetary Health showed last month.

The National Clean Air Program (NCAP) aims to cut pollution in the 102 worst affected cities by 20-30 percent by 2024.

Launching it, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said he believed it would substantially improve air quality. “We need to ensure that we give clean air to our children and the generations to come,” he told a news conference.

The plan aims to push through cuts in industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust fumes, introduce stringent rules for transport fuels and biomass burning and reduce dust pollution. It will also upgrade and increase monitoring systems.

Its launch, put back from last year due to bureaucratic delays, coincides with the annual peak of pollution levels in northern India, including New Delhi.

Since October residents of the capital, home to more than 20 million people, have struggled to breathe under a thick smog.

Last week pollution surged to “emergency” levels, as the Central Pollution Control Board’s air quality index of poisonous particulate matter hit 440, more than 12 times the US government’s recommended limit.

Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner with environmental group Greenpeace, welcomed the launch of the program but said it lacked focus and ambition.

“We hoped that the NCAL would be much stronger, would provide sector-wise targets, specific targets for the cities and mention a strong legal backing to take action against non-implementation,” he said.

“We hope that the environment ministry shows more seriousness in implementing and strengthening the plan.”

As pollution spiked in New Delhi in October and November, the government adopted measures ranging from a temporary ban on construction activities and garbage burning to a clampdown on coal-fired power stations.

But the measures were inadequate and poorly implemented, largely because of a lack of resources and political will.

The post India Launches National Anti-Pollution Program, But Experts Skeptical appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Women who Defied Indian Temple Ban Unable to Return Home After Threats

Posted: 10 Jan 2019 08:26 PM PST

KOCHI/NEW DELHI—Two women who made history by becoming the first in centuries to enter a hill temple in southern India are in hiding after threats by hardline Hindu groups.

The Sabarimala temple in the state of Kerala has been the site of tension since India’s Supreme Court ruled in late September to end a ban on women of menstruating age entering it.

There have since been sporadic outbreaks of violence between the authorities and protesters attempting to prevent women from entering, setting off a cultural battle in what is still a deeply religious country.

Bindu Ammini, 40, a law lecturer at Kerala’s Kannur University and Kanakadurga, 39, a civil servant, told Reuters they were determined to enter despite threats of violence.

“A lot of people tried to dissuade us and make us turn back—police officers, our friends… because they knew we were facing a lot of backlash,” Kanakadurga said.

After the Supreme Court’s judgment, the women made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the temple on Dec. 24, before finally succeeding on Jan. 2.

A third woman aged 46 has since entered the site, the office of the chief minister of Kerala said on Jan. 4.

“We felt no fear. We had only one aim: we wanted to go to that shrine,” Bindu said.

Their entry sparked widespread protests and a day-long strike in Kerala led in part by members of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“This BJP government has a duty to regulate and control their members,” Bindu said.

The women—speaking in an undisclosed location on the outskirts of the city of Kochi—say they have since faced threats from protesters, but that they trusted the authorities to keep them safe and plan to return home next week.

“I always say that I trust the police persons, the state government of Kerala and also our democratic society of Kerala,” Bindu said.

The post Women who Defied Indian Temple Ban Unable to Return Home After Threats appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Jackson Estate Slams as ‘Pathetic’ Abuse Claims in New Documentary

Posted: 10 Jan 2019 08:11 PM PST

LOS ANGELES—Michael Jackson’s estate on Thursday condemned an upcoming documentary about alleged child sexual abuse by the late singer as another “outrageous and pathetic attempt” to cash in on his fame.

The documentary “Leaving Neverland” will be screened at the Sundance independent film festival later this month and will be shown on cable channel HBO and Britain’s Channel 4 television network this spring, festival organizers and HBO said.

It features interviews with two men, now in their 30s, who say they were befriended by the singer and sexually abused by him when they were young boys, according to the filmmakers.

The “Thriller” singer, who died in 2009, was acquitted at a 2005 criminal trial in California on charges of molesting a different 13-year-old boy at his Neverland ranch.

The documentary focuses on the experiences of Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Both men filed lawsuits against the Jackson estate alleging sexual misconduct after the singer’s death and both cases were dismissed. Robson had testified at Jackson’s 2005 trial in the singer’s defense.

“This so called 'documentary' is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations,” Jackson’s estate said in a statement. “This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.”

Director Dan Reed said he had no question about the validity of the stories of the two men.

“If there's anything we've learned during this time in our history, it's that sexual abuse is complicated, and survivors' voices need to be listened to,” he said in a statement.

Jackson’s sudden death at age 50 of an overdose of the anesthetic that he was using as a sleep aid triggered worldwide grief and a surge in record sales.

According to an annual Forbes survey, Jackson has been the top earning dead celebrity for the past six years. In 2018, Forbes estimated he earned $400 million, thanks to the sale of his stake in EMI Music Publishing and other ventures including a television special and the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show “One.”

The post Jackson Estate Slams as ‘Pathetic’ Abuse Claims in New Documentary appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

What Does the Arakan Army Bring to Rakhine State?

Posted: 10 Jan 2019 05:30 PM PST

A small, roofless light-truck loaded with large loudspeakers drives around the town of Sittwe, capital of Rakhine State. The truck is surrounded by youths who walk by house after house holding silver bowls for the collection of money. The gigantic speakers are playing songs in the Arakanese language on repeat. One of the songs called "People Who Sacrificed" praises those who have given up their lives for the "fatherland."

Many such groups of self-motivated youths have independently organized fundraising drives to collect money for the people recently displaced by fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in four townships of northern Rakhine. They receive many in-kind donations and send them up to groups of internally displaced persons (IDPs) via local networks. The networks are frequently facing deterrence from local authorities along the way.

But their actions amount to much more than raising funds—they are conveying messages which they cannot openly speak. What are the messages they are bringing? How do local Arakanese interpret those messages? And the authorities? How do people from other parts of Myanmar take their message heard through mainstream media? What will the implications be?

The recent outbreak of conflict in Rakhine State indicates an increasing trend of political violence. The AA, with steadily increasing mobility, is expanding geographically in Rakhine State with the intention to consolidate its bargaining power through rising public support which it gains through a systematic psyche-war on social media. So far, 4,500 locals have been displaced from their homes due to the recent clashes.

What message is the Arakan Army bringing?

The AA's messages, rhetoric in style, are heard across social media, the tool of free speech. Over the last year, the AA has been gaining momentum with their crafty use of social media in spreading an online campaign called "Arakan Dream 2020." This flagship strategy drew many sympathizers, not only among poor rural youths but also from the educated and the politicians. And the AA has succeeded in mobilizing youths from the region which has been engulfed in poverty and inequality for decades.

Arakan Dream 2020 is an initiative, according to AA chief Gen. Twan Mrat Naing, that 2020 will be the start of struggles in the name of "The Way of Rakhita," a concept with self-determination at its core. There has not yet been any explicit mentioned of how "The Way of Rakhita" will be materialized but the AA is positioning itself as a leading agency for carrying out the movement. One extreme interpretation of "The Way of Rakhita" could be that the Arakanese are pursuing an independent state and this provokes concern among the Burmese elite who largely hold onto a paternalistic view on guarding sovereignty.

In the deep psyches of many Arakanese, stories of the Burmese occupation of the once mighty Arakanese Kingdom in the late 18th century are still vivid. It may be felt that they remain enslaved in terms of their lack of self-determination and their marginalization from political processes. The notion of Rakhita is re-evoking that psyche. Historical facts are carried as hurtful and painful experiences. In that sense, the Arakan Dream is not a new concept but rather a revival of the wishes of their ancestors to rebuild a sovereign state.

An ethnic Rakhine scholar once wrote, "They aren't inspired by the words of Aung San Suu Kyi on catching up with other countries (Singapore). They don't trust Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's speeches on peace. But they do care about every word spoken by Gen. Htun Mrat Naing. His speeches inspire the Rakhine public. Arakanese people are excited about Rakhita."

Why do the Arakanese hold so tightly these messages?

This historical grievance, the Burmese occupation of Arakan, has never been fully put to rest by successive governments. Upon that, the Arakanese construct their racial identity that narrowly encompasses the Buddhist Rakhine. In his latest book, "Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment" political scientist Francis Fukuyama argues that liberal democracies—as in the nominal democracy of Myanmar—have not fully solved the problem of "thymos," a term referring the part of the soul that craves recognition of dignity. In the case of the Arakanese people, they have both "isothymia," the desire to be respected equally to others, and "megalothymia," the want to be recognized as superior.

Similar to other ethnic groups, the prevailing argument of the Arakanese is that they have economic inequality and are lagging behind in development despite having plenty of natural resources. A political transition in Myanmar creates uncertainty. Populists have used the transition and the democratic election to gain strength. They reawaken the dream of greatness. They raise Arakanese concerns that they are neglected and their dignity is disregarded.

When intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, the Rohingya community, which had been facing severe human rights violations, received the sympathy of the international community. Support from the international community mounted when the fresh exodus of refugees occurred in 2017. When the central government tries to steer a conflict situation, the Arakanese are not able to meaningfully participate. A perception of exclusion takes root. This perceived voicelessness has been made stronger by recent political developments.

The NLD government refused to share executive power at state level after the Arakan National Party won a majority of votes in Rakhine State in the 2015 election. The Arakanese repeatedly complain that their proposals in parliament are frequently rejected or not addressed. At the Rakhine state parliament, members of parliament are not influenced by any actions of the government. The only success has been the removal of a state minister on the grounds of poor performance. Apart from that, all they can do is denounce the government's actions. In addition to that, weak leadership and internal conflicts within the leading Arakan party upsets the public. There is a vacuum of leadership in Rakhine politics.

Negative sentiment towards the central government, weak local political leadership and no visible improvement in the daily lives of the Arakanese have all converged. Arakanese trust in democratic institutions has sharply fallen. The AA is making a timely emergence, even under the democratic government, as an aspiration for the Arakanese. While this is a real opportunity for the Arakanese, it is also an option borne out of what they see as a failing democratic system. If democracy cannot provide them with better options, they cannot be blamed for wanting to do something about it. Addressing economic issues will not guarantee a resolution yet. It is still too early to say whether leaders from the AA will lead Rakhine politics, but it is difficult to deny that they are going to play an important part.

How do the government and other Myanmar citizens interpret the situation?

Any violent fighting is unwelcome but the people will fight with words which hurt less than bullets and bombs. The Independence Day attack drew the attention of the public—mainly the Burmese majority—and cried out for being attack police posts on this special day. Government is also promptly responded by branding the AA as "a terrorist group." U Zaw Htay, spokesperson for the President's Office warned the Arakanese not to support the AA and this drew backlash from the Arakanese. U Zaw Htay blamed the AA of "taking advantage" while the military and government are trying their best to protect Rakhine from terrorists and international pressure. This comes from many people from Myanmar thinking of the Rohingya community as outsiders and that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) is a legitimate threat to national sovereignty and territory. Most of the mainstream media also reflects the majoritarian view.

U Zaw Htay's speech ignited public reprisal at a local level but drew popular support from the majorities who see themselves as thinking on behalf of the pyidaunsu, or the Union. This pulls an already divided society apart along the racial line. There are deep divisions between the Arakanese and other majority ethnic groups. Both sides point fingers at the other. Words do hurt people to some extent. The government also interpreted, as authoritarian regimes have done in the past, that the situation must be responded to with more forces and troops. Even Ma Ba Tha, a nationalist Burmese group with strong anti-Muslim sentiments, denounced the AA's attacks. The escalation of conflict will benefit no one.

If political leaders believe that peace is not just the signing of a truce but cohesive living between different segments of society, they should refrain from the use of words and physical forces. The Arakanese should think twice before going to war or supporting armed groups because war itself brings destruction. Civilians in the war zone have already suffered. Burmese hegemonic views should also be self-critical rather than easily falling to the trick of words. They should be willing to listen to the minority rather than supporting militarization. This situation also calls for a speedier and more inclusive peace process which reforms power structures and ensures equal rights and respect. If not, history will repeat itself. We don't want the vicious cycle of civil war unfolding in new locations.

The post What Does the Arakan Army Bring to Rakhine State? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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