No more violence but tensions remain in riot-torn Thandwe

No more violence but tensions remain in riot-torn Thandwe

Published on Sunday, 06 October 2013 17:14

Rakhine ethnics taking at temporary shelters at Konenawin Mahar Vihara Buddhist Monastery in Zeekyun Village, Thandwe Township (photo-Win Myit Kyaw/EMG)

Calm has been restored in violence-hit Thandwe on October 3, but prevalence of suspicion and tensions between Rakhine ethnics and Kaman people can be felt throughout the Rakhine township in western Myanmar, said the local people.

Fresh riots began in Thandwe Township on September 29_ one year after similar violence in Rakhine State. Mobs set fire to houses in Thabyuchaing, Pauktaw, Shwehlay, Talaite, Linthe Villages in Thandwe. The incident claimed the lives of fit people and left 103 families or 448 people homeless.

Witnesses said that the rioters who started the violence were from nearby villages. People from downtown Thandwe did not have direct links with the aggression, they added.

Some Kaman people who suffered the most during the incident also confirmed that local and nearby villagers made arson attacks. Rakhine residents, however, did not take part in rioting, but fled from the attacks.

Kaman people seen on October 4 at Thabyuchaing village in Thandwe Township (Photo-Win Myit Kyaw/EMG)

"On October 1, a mob from Singaung Village entered our [Thabyuchaing] village, and set fire to every house they saw. Before the incident, there were some incitements to some local villagers. We noticed it, and informed it to the authorities. But when a large mob marched towards the village, the police shot into the air to disperse them but it was in vain. Only when the army came, the mob withdrew," said Mr. Nay Win, a Kaman from Thabyuchaing village which suffered the most damages during the violence.

He added, "To prevent such incidents in the future, those who committed the wrongdoing must be punished by the law. In this incident, we can say there was no rule of law. I was shocked to see some of my old school friends and business partners among the rioters that destroyed the houses. Such led to the distrust and suspicion towards the ethics we lived together with for ages."

Rakhine ethnics living near the Kaman's villages are also in constant fear as some Kaman people have threatened to attack them during the violence.

The place of a burnt down house in Pauktaw Village, Thandwe Township (Photo-Win Myit Kyaw/EMG)

"When a mosque and houses were burnt down in the central part of our Thabyuchaing village, some Kaman people threatened to attack us. All [Rakhine people] no longer dare to live in the village. We fled and gathered ourselves to stay at the Nawin Buddhist Monastery," said Ms Aye Kyu, a Rakhine woman taking temporary shelter at Koenawin Mahar Vihara Buddhist Monastery in Zeekyun Village.

There are a total of 214 Rakhine people staying at Koenawin Mahar Vihara Buddhist Monastery. Most are from Nathmaw and Pyindaung Villages.

"We wish peace not only in Thandwe Township but also in the whole country. We desire to have a peaceful environment for the people. We want the problems be solved by forgiving mistakes, using non-violence and being united each other," said U Ottamasiri, Abbot of Koenawin Mahar Vihara Buddhist Monastery.

The communal conflict in Thandwe Township has subsided, but the local people say they want the authorities to continue security measures as they feel concerned and distrust each other.

Homeless victims of the incident are now staying at their relatives' houses. No refugee camp has been officially opened for them.

"Here, Rakhine and Kaman people have been living together for ages. Some families have both Rakhine and Kaman bloods. I feel sorry to see such an incident. Besides the Buddhists, other religions must be alert. All must be united. I assume there are those behind the religious conflicts who are making incitements," said Mr. Maung Maung Gyi, a Rakhine ethnic and a village official in Thabyuchaing Village (South).

For the rumours that Rakhine people put up Buddhist religious flags with ill intentions, Rakhine ethnic Mr. Tin Thaung countered, "We don't have any such intention by putting up religious flags. This is our traditional custom before the ceremony of giving alms to monks. The ceremony is a seasonal festive activity held annually."

Local police have detained 5 suspects in connection with the violence happened, according to the police chief of Thandwe District Police Lt-Col Kyaw Tint on October 4.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/07/no-more-violence-but-tensions-remain-in-riot-torn-thandwe/