Chittagong, Bangladesh: Activists of the Neeti Gobeshona Kendra on Monday (March 30) demanded ceasing the oppression and killing of Rohingya people by the Burmese Government, as well as a permanent solution to the boat-people crisis, according to our correspondent.

The activists formed a human chain in front of the Chittagong Press Club, ahead of the Asian Summit and declared that the Rohingya crisis was not only a problem between Burma and Bangladesh, but it now had international ramifications. Frequent killings and oppression of the Rohingya people by the Burmese government, over the last few decades, had compelled them to flee to neighboring countries.

Recently, the Rohingya were trying to move to the countries of South and Southeast Asia, as the military government of Burma, had increased its degree of repression on them, the activists said.

The Burmese government has been trying to define the crisis as having arisen from human trafficking, but in reality its aim was to exterminate the minority Rohingya group in Burma, they added.

Mahbubul Haq, Director of the organization, Najimuddin Shyamol, General Secretary of the Chittagong Reporters Union and Rohingya leader Ayub (alias) Tin Maungng were present during the demonstration.

Over 100 people participated in the demonstration holding banners. It began at 12 noon and ended at about 12:30 pm.