The Rakhine Women’s Union (RWU) has requested that both sides immediately end the sectarian violence that has erupted across Arakan State over the last week.
The Dhaka based organization issued the statement on Oct.24.
“The violence must be stopped, and not start again. We’ve issued this appeal to both communities to end the violence against each other and show consideration for each other’s plights”, said RWU Chairperson Daw Saw Mra Razar Lunn.
Daw Saw Mra Razar Lunn said the RWU is “deeply concerned” regarding the communal violence that has resulted in “bloodshed and damage in Arakan State”. This violence not only jeopardies the stability and security in Arakan State but the entire country, according to the RWU statement.
The situation can only be resolved by coming up with solutions that address the immediate problem and long-term solutions. The ways things are going it will be very difficult to solve, said Daw Saw Mra Razar Lunn.
The sectarian violence between Arakanese Buddhist and Muslims that flared up again on Oct. 22 in Minbya Township is spreading to other townships including: Mrauk-U, Mraybon and Kyaukpru.
Daw Mra Razar Lunn said if it continues everyone will be living in a constant state of fear.
“The government, the UN and other organizations must respect the desires of the local people. If they act against the will of people, there will be more problems. They should identify the root causes of the current problems.”
Nearly 2,000 houses have burned and many people killed and injured in Mrauk-U and Minbya Townships.
