By Burma Campaign UK |
March 25, 2013
The consequences of failing to address the growing religious
tensions in Burma are so serious that they justify the urgent creation
of a task force which helps Burma’s political and religious leaders,
both in government and in opposition, learn from the past experience of
the international community in addressing these problems.
Current Situation
On 20th March violence erupted in Meiktilar, central Burma, between
Buddhists and Muslims. While atrocities were committed on both sides in
the ensuing violence, the majority of victims were Muslim, and Muslim
shops, Mosques and people were systematically attacked. Many lives have
been lost and thousands of people have fled their
homes.
The violence in Meiktilar has been attributed to a fight that started
in a gold shop. Accounts of the incident vary. Some state that the
Muslim shopkeeper attacked Buddhist customers, others that the Buddhist
customers tried to sell fake gold and became violent and abusive when
the shopkeeper refused to buy it. Regardless of which of these accounts
is true, the fact is that an incident like this should not lead to
religious riots, where dozens are killed, buildings are destroyed and
thousands flee in fear, unless underlying tensions are already very
high.
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