Myanmar: Between April 11th and 21st 2024, 5,000 homes of Hindus and Buddhists were destroyed in Buthidaung which is 25km from the Bangladesh border. The homes were damaged amidst clashes between the Junta lead Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (‘AA’) rebel group. The Arakan Army is made up of a largely Buddhist minority ethnic group that seeks independence from the Rakhine state. Since 2010, Rakhine has been the location of widespread turmoil and violence that has involved communal clashes between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. The small Hindu minority has been the target of violence from Islamist Rohingya groups.
In the recent clashes between the Military and the Arakan Army, Islamist extremist groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (‘ARSA’) have aligned with the Military. Young Rohingya Muslims; many of whom remain in refugee camps near the border) have been conscripted by the Islamists and specifically targeted the homes of Buddhist and Hindu civilians, who make up 50% of the population in Buthidaung. Though many local Muslims do not support the violence, the use of divide-and-rule tactics by different players in this complex conflict could further fuel inter-religious tensions.
A Hindu resident of Buthidaung explained, “The situation in Buthidaung is tense. Despite the AA’s siege on various towns, there are numerous junta soldiers, ARSA rebels along with their affiliates, who remain active in the urban areas. During the days of arson, both Rakhine and Hindu residences were deliberately targeted. On the other hand, firefighters were strategically placed to protect the nearby Muslim-owned houses. This kind of blatant discrimination targeting non-Muslim residents of Buthidaung has complicated the crisis. There are many residents in the town, who are now serving as house guards. With no safe shelters, we are worried for our future. Safety and security remain our urgent priorities.”.
Note: image is for illustrative purposes