More bloodshed

The once-ardent followers of Buddhism, a religion professing peace and harmony, are shedding blood on an unprecedented scale in Myanmar.  Their violent acts against Muslims are increasing with each passing day. On Thursday, Mandalay, the country's second largest city was rocked by an orgy of violence. Two people were killed. Not satisfied with this shedding of blood, hundreds of Buddhists wielding knives, swords and bamboo poles roamed the streets, shouting, "We are going to kill all Muslims." This unashamed public show of loathing by Buddhist hordes for Muslims without the security forces making any attempt to restrain them reflects the extent of the complicity of the authorities in the anti-Muslim violence. Though there has been little or no violence since Thursday, news reports say the situation is tense.  Anything can happen any moment. It would be correct to say that the rabid anti-Muslim outlook of the Buddhist majority is spreading. It started in Rakhine state, home of Rohingya Muslims. Two years ago, more than 200 Rohingyas were killed and their property worth millions destroyed. Even mosques were razed. Next was the turn of Meikitila in the central part of the country. More than 40 Muslims were killed here. And now the violence has spread to Mandalay. The question now is, what is the government doing to end the violence that has already claimed more than 250 lives? Yet another question is, what is the international community doing to force the Myanmar government to take steps to staunch the flow of blood?

The latest violence in Mandalay makes it an imperative for the international community to act. The government of President Thein Sein has certainly undertaken a number of reforms and political prisoners have been freed. The world has applauded these steps and many countries have ended some sanctions. But the tragic fact is that nothing has been done to end the inter-religious strife and it is only snowballing. The international community, particularly the United States and the European Union, which can influence the government, needs to put pressure on Thein Sein and his military to act decisively against those indulging in mayhem and murder. The arrest of ringleaders like the monk Wirathu is crucial. The arrest, trail and jailing of scores of other Buddhists who have killed and plundered at his behest is also necessary. In fact, just a few have been put on trial so far. The silence of the authorities – civilian and military – is unpardonable. So is the silence of Nobel laureate Aung Saan Suu Kyi, a strident advocate of human rights, freedom and democracy. It looks like Suu Kyi has forgotten the causes that she fought for once upon a time. So, before the violence spreads further, the government, the military and the international community must act. Or else great danger lies ahead for Myanmar, which will face instability of unimaginable proportions as it is a simmering cauldron of religious and regional strife.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/more-bloodshed/