Sunday, June 5, 2016

Even 'Aung San Suu Kyi' Can't help?

Displaced Rohingya people in Rakhine State
Persecuted people often look towards towering national leaders as a ray of hope. When it comes to leaders and statesmen who want to leave a mark on the history, it is their responsibility and moral obligation to look after the people who other ways don’t have anywhere to go.

When military handed over power – it is still very much dominant and can call shots- to a civilian government which except in name is controlled by-pro democracy champion and Nobel peace laurate Aung San Suu Kyi; Rohingya’s may imagined a slightly better position in society. However, this was not the case. These persecuted minorities still in the same position where they have been for decades.

In newly emerging Buddhist Myanmar – where Buddhism by accepting intolerance and violence moved far away from the very teachings of Buddha – Rohingya’s are yet to find any acceptance in the society. Mass violence of 2012 moved many of them away from their land. In fact, it was their desperate attempt to escape further persecution at home which resulted in deadly sea voyages of last year.

In Myanmar Rohingya’s were denied almost all fundamental rights like Citizenship, Freedom of Worship, Education, Marriage, Travel etc. They are still branded as Bengalis even after living for many generations in Myanmar. What more, Suu Kyi even asked US Ambassador to Myanmar not to use the term Rohingya for referring the community.

I can understand the challenges faced by Suu Kyi. Trying to integrate Rohingyas to the society might antagonize Buddhist majority and may even upset nation political reconciliation process. May be Suu Kyi even loss the support of a big group. But for getting acceptance do she has to continue with the policy of her successors.

Suu Kyi may be the last hope for one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. No one is there to fight for them. Hope that, she and International community will come to rescue of Rohingyas.

Sajeev.

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

No comments:

Post a Comment