thesailnews@yahoo.com The Existence Of Arakan

The Existence Of Arakan

Preface About Identity: History is not God given and it is potentiality of man research and his conscience and historical evidences. The work of History research is humanitarian and academic concern.
Racial name is not God given, but there is a trend that the different ethnic groups invent their racial/ethnic name as their ethnic identity in order to enjoying their fundamental rights from their central Government. But it depends on demographic and geographical situation of the ethnic groups. Muslim is not a name of ethnic group because ethnic name not depends on Religion.  (Rohingya Historian)

Note About The Arakan: (compiled by The Sail)
The Land & people:
The land of the Arakan’s creation was 5 million years ago, and the origin people of Arakan entered from part of India in about 5,000 years ago.
At present two major ethnic races, the Rohingyas and the Rakhines (Maghs) inhabit in Arakan. The Rohingyas are Muslims and the Rakhines are Buddhists. Its unofficial total population now is more than 5 million, both inside and outside the country.  In addition there are about 2 lakhs tribal people [Saks, Dinets (Chakmas) and Mros (Kamais)] and 2 lakhs Burman people in Arakan.  The Rohingyas are mostly concentrated in the riparian plains of Naf, Mayu and Kaladan. Arakan is the only Muslim majority province among the 14 provinces of Burma. Out of the 7 million Muslim population of Burma half of them are in Arakan. (from History Background of Arakan)
Politic: Under different periods of history, Arakan had been an independent and sovereign monarchy ruled by Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. Possibly the history of Arakan can be classified in the following manner into 10 periods; (1) 100-788 AD (Some Hindu dynasties), (2) 788-957 AD (Chandra Hindu dynasty), (3) 957-1430 (A Chaotic period of Mongolians, Buddhists and Muslims), (4) 1430-1784 AD (Mrauk-U dynasty of Muslims & Buddhists), (5) 1784-1826 AD (Burman Buddhist Rule), (6) 1826-1948 AD (British Colonial Rule), (7) 1948-1962 (Parliamentary Democracy Rule), (8) 1962-1974 AD (Revolutionary Military Government Rule),  (9) 1975-1988 (One Party Socialist Programme Party Government Rule), (10) 1988-1999 AD (SLORC/SPDC Military Government Rule).
 According to A. P Phayer and G.E. Harvey, the Arakanese kings established alternately capitals in eight different towns, transferring from one to another. They were successively at Dinnyawadi, 25 kings (146-746 AD); Vesali, 12 kings (788-994 AD); First Pyinsa (Sanbawut), 15 kings (1018-1103 AD); Parin, 8 kings (1103-1167 AD); Krit, 4 kings (1167-1180 AD); Second Pyinsa, 16 kings (1180-1237 AD); Launggyet, 17 kings (1237-1433 AD) and Mrauk-U, 48 kings (1433-1785 AD).  (from History Background of Arakan)

The Arakan Flag Design During Sanda-Thu-Ri-Ya King

Arakan to Rakhine state:  In 1974 the Burmese Socialist Programme Party (BSPP)government of Ne Win constituted Rakhine State from Arakan Division to restoration of Rakhine Independence. The government also created 17 townships before this changes. More in 1983, Thandwe, Gwa, Taungup, Ponnagyan townships were defined as Muslim-free Zones by government.

Existence of Rohingya:
Between 7th Century to 16th Century AD, tradings in Java, Malacca, Myanmar and Arakan were influenced by Arab traders. At the same time, the religion Islam was introduced there. When Islamic preachers arrived,  some of the first group in Arakan who accepted Muslim were moon worshippers, descendants of   ”San-Da-Wan-Tha” and people of Sandathuriya king who ruled over Sandawantha-moon worshipers and Thuriyawantha-sun worshipers. (Researcher)
“In 680 AD after the war of ‘Karbala’ Mohammed Hanofiya with his army arrived at Arab-Shah Para, near Maungdaw in the Northern Arakan, while Kaiyapuri, the queen of Cannibals ruled this hilly deep forest attacking and looting the people of Arakan. Mohammed Hanif attacked the Cannibals and captured the queen. She was converted to Islam and married to him. Her followers embraced Islam en masse. Mohammed Hanif and the queen Kaiyapuri lived in Mayu range. The peaks where they lived were still known as Hanifa Tonki and Kaiyapui Tonki. The wild cannibals were tamed and became civilised. Arakan was no more in danger of them and peace and tranquillity prevailed. The followers of Mohammed Hanif and Kaiyapuri were mixed up and lived peacefully.” The descendants of these mixed people no doubt formed the original nucleus of the Rohingya Muslims in Arakan. (from Historical Background of Arakan)
In 788 AD, during the season of Wae Tha Li, many of Arab traders’ boats were demolished by cyclone and landed to an island. And the king of the land relocated them into the lands. Thus, they named that Island as ‘Raham Bre’ (In Arabic, helper island), today call as ‘Rambre Island’. (from historians)
 
In 887 AD, most of Arakaneses converted to Islam as the results of propagation from India. (from Arab history)
 
Later from Portugal slavery time, some people from Bangladesh including non-Bangladeshies, were brought into Arakan and sold as slaves to Arab traders and Arakaneses.
In 1430, the two large army groups of Bangal had been entered into Arakan to expel Burman occupiers and settled in Arakan. As, Arakan was invaded by upper Burman(Ava) king Min Khaung in 1404 and he refuged 24 years at Bangal professed himself into Muslim. Later, the Arakan king Narameik Hla@ Saw Mon expelled Burmese invaders by the help of general Wali Khan consisting tens of  thousands of  Bangal forces in 1429. However, general Wali Khan betrayed by taking the throne of Arakan and imprisoned the king Narameik Hla. After he escaped from prison, sought again from Bangal king and he reentered into Arakan by a second larger army led by general Sandhi Khan of Bangal king Nasiruddin Shah and then retook his throne in 1430. He designated himself Muslim title as Solaiman Shah and kept Arakan under the governor of Cittagong in order to prevent from foreign invasions. The readers could understand about how many Bangal soldiers and other ordinary people had been settled in that period once political, social, culture structures and goals changed. (according to former chairman of Burma Historical Commission, Lt.Col. Ba Shin)
In early 16th Century during the reign of Mrauk U, Indian Muslims missionary headed into Arakan and preached Muslim religion through village to village converting Islam. (from Rakine Razawin BE1282)
Thou, we can say today Rohingya is mixed stocks of Arab, Mongolia, Arakanese (Maghs) and clashed into Fore-Arian, Indo-Arian, Indo-Mongo. As Burma is originally home to firstly Pyu states and secondly Mon states. I would not make mention as some mix from Bengali as some states of Bangladesh (Cittagong) were well enacted and fell under Arakan for some periods and separated later.
 
Rohingya in Arakan is long rooted, can be proved by historical buildings with Mosques firstly built  in 7th Century AD, Muslim Kings ruled for 4 centuries in Arakan, and others of Islamic names of towns, villages, rivers and others, and some Rakine kings also used Islamic names in 14 Century. Otherwise, the latest DNA may prove their existences. Moreover, some buildings built by Arakanese Muslim combatants, can be seen today in Yangon and Mawlamyaing. (from Burman King Invasions)
The name of Rohingya is founded as the people from Roshang/Rohang-Arakan: Rohang-Gya (‘Gya’ is villager). Like ‘Rakhasa’ to ‘Rakkha’ to ‘Rakkhaing’ to Rakhaing (Rakhine). Like Arakan to Rakhine, Burma to Myanmar. Time by time, states, people, names, cultures, are changed based on determination by influences

Briefing on the Situation in Northern Arakan

1. After Friday congregation,  at about 2 pm. while a group of Muslims were trying to join a payer at Kayandan  Islamic propagation centre (Tabligh Centre) for those 10 Muslims  who were murdered by Rakhine extremists at Taunggup on 3 June 2011, the security forces tried to stop them and then started firing at the crowd killing at least two people and injuring many others. 

2. At 2:30 p.m. two young Rohingyas who were returning home after Friday prayer from Maungdaw Central Mosque were seriously beaten by police. One of them whose hand was broken was released after sometime while the other who received head injury was still in police custody. His condition is still unknown.

News update

9 June 2012:

1. Armed security forces with Rakhine extremist equipped with lethal arms were roaming Maungdaw towns and surrounding villages. This morning 4 Rohingyas were carried away from Fayazi village of Maungdaw. Their whereabouts is known.

2. According to a report, “Nasaka security forces and police are the killers. The Rakhine extremists joined them and reining hell on Rohingya. Because of the curfew no one dares to go out, and at the absence of witness Rakhine extremists set fire on houses, village after village. If anyone comes out from the fire, he/she gets a bullet or two or more. No witness, no proof. Natala villagers and Rakhine extremists have been supplied guns as well, but no one may prove it. In the mean time, racist monks are busy with media supplying fabricated news. These tragic events have been well planned in advance.”

3. At midnight (8/6/12) the Hlun Htein  forces from Ngakura village accompanied by the extremists from the Rakhine village of San Oo Rwa  (Hatipra) attacked the Rohingya villagers of the same village killing one person injuring 3 others. The dead body was carried away by the killers.

4. Last night groups of armed forces with Buddhist Rakhine extremists went to the Rohingya villages. They opened fire to the Muslim houses. When the inmates left their homes the Rakhine extremists set on fire. Many houses in several villagers have been reported burnt into ashes. Many people were killed and several others injured. The villages of Hatalia, Sommonia, Razarbil, Kayandan and San Oo are among those which were attacked.

5. Since yesterday the Buddhist monks and Rakhine extremists escorted by security forces were announcing ‘War on Kalas, (war on Rohingyas) along the street of Maungdaw. This message was spread like a wild fire all over Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.

6. Many security forces dressed in civil clothes but with arms are firing the Rohingyas.   

7. An estimated 100 Rohingyas were killed. As dead bodies were not handed over to the relatives or villagers. Exact number of death could not be confirmed. Some estimate that the number of death could exceed 200 Rohingyas.

8. Hundreds of injured Rohingyas are lack of treatment. Thousands of people were deprived of food and water as Police, military, and Hlon Htin block them. 

9. At about 12: 25 P.M. Deputy Home Minister accompanied by U Aung Zaw Win (USDP- MP) arrived at Maungdaw. They are reportedly discussing with local leaders on the situation. The details of the discussion are still not known.

Security force with Rakhine loot, fire and burn of Rohingya property under Act 144

Maungdaw, Arakan State:    :Rohingya community from Maungdaw are not allow to go out their resident under Burmese authority imposed Act 144  but Rakhine community is moving freely.

Rakhine and security personnel set on fire at night

The Act 144 was announced at 9;00pm last night, but the duty security personnel with Rakhine community were moved to the Rohingya villages –Ward number 5, Myothu Gyi,Sawmawna village (near three mile) Razabil, Iitaliya and Maungni village at about 9:00pm,  while the security personnel were protecting the Rakhine community when Rakhine set on fire the Rohingya houses. The security personnel fired into Rohingya community who were trying to protect their property, according to an elder from Maungdaw.

Security personnel and Rakhine community set on fire the house of Razak, Lalu and Syed Ahmed, more than five clothes shops – under United Hotel and U AungGyi line-were looted which worth kyat more than 150,000,000 and one Mosque of Sawmawna village was demolished last night. The security personnel and Rakhine killed three Rohingya and wounded several. The Rohingya dead bodies were kept with security force so we are not able to confirm exact number. Now we received more than 200 Rohingya wounded list from different villages.

The smoke raise up to the sky in Maungdaw  at the evening
Two choppers landed at Maungdaw football ground Today at 12:25 noon   with high level officer including Rohingya MP where they discussed with Maungdaw concerned authority and invited Dr. Htun Aung,the Chairman of Islamic Religious council and U Jangir but Dr, Htun Aung was attended the meeting.

Security personnel and Rakhine kill Rohingya, burn the house within the curfew period

The authority imposed curfew in Maungdaw from 6:00pm to 6:00am. But, they security personnel and Rakhine jointly killed Rohingya and set on fire Rohingya house and property within the curfew period.

The security force (Police, Hlumtin and Nasaka)  killed four Rohingya  villagers from Khanda Para ( Myo thu Gyi) of  Maungdaw town. The dead bodies were kept by security personnel in their trunks at about 11:30pm, according to a local from Myothu Gyi .

Riot police with together Rakhines are now jointly attacking the Rohingya villagers in the Maungdaw town at 11:45, said a local from Maungdaw.

The trucks of Nasaka and security force parked in the Maungdaw football ground where the Rakhine community takes the petrol from the security vehicles where the Rakhine used these petrol to set fire the Rohingya houses. The security personnel are covering the Rakhine community to set fire. If any Rohingya came out  to protect their houses and property, the security personnel fired  into Rohingya

The security forces set on fire the Kadir Bill  village at 11: 30 pm.

The Nasaka personnel fired more than 50 round on the air while Rohingya from Udaung gather on the road at about 10:00pm. Nobody was injured.

Peaceful demonstration in Maungdaw, two killed, some wounded

Maungdaw, Arakan state: More than 500 Young Rohingyas - aged between 12 and 15- were going to Kadir Mosque of Myoma Kayaungdan Village from Maungdaw big mosque after Juma prayer to give   respect to the 10- Muslim who were brutally killed in Taungup on June 3. But, on the way, the riot police fired 40 rounds to the air and shoot death two Rohingya youths on the spot, some injured, according to an elder from Maungdaw.

“We are going peacefully without holding any placards, banners and any slogans. But the riot police stopped and fired to us where two of our children died and some injured.”

Rohingyas from Maungdaw distributed leaflets in which mentioned these - to keep Islamic religion, to join in the respecting program of 10-Muslim killed in Taungup and to be careful of storage of arms and ammunition in local monasteries yesterday morning at the junctions of Maungdaw town  and official places, said a  student from Maungdaw.

Lt Col. Aung Gyi, the director of Burma border security force (Nasaka) went to the Maungdaw Tawblique ( Jamat) centre where he said not to do  any respecting program for people  who were killed  in Taungup,  and he also told  to the in charge religious leaders of centre that he will not take any responsible for any actions, said a religious leader from Maungdaw.

“We are not saying anything while the Rakhine killed our 10 Muslims – brothers and sister-on June 3. Now, we only pray for them with this program.”

Settlers (Natala) villagers from Naypaydaw junctions of Maungdaw south beat a Rohingya –Maulana Habib Ullah- while he was crossing the junction. He is still alive but in serious condition. After getting the information of Habib Ullah, the villagers of Nyaung Chaung village set on fire the Naypaydow Junctions village, said a local elder from Nyaung Change.

“The setters also beat a couple of old Rohingya elder – wife and husband- while crossing the said junctions where the woman was dead and the man was serious position.”

In the evening,   some police from Maungdaw town pretending as civilians (Natala) entered the village and observed the situation. But local villagers (Rohingya) believe there will be happened something against us, said a villager from Gawdhu Sara.

Hotel Shwe Thazin was set on fire from road construction work, but some said it was done by Rohingya and some said it was done by Rakhine to implicate the Rohingya people. The fire jumped to two other houses and burnt down into ashes. These belong to Rakhine community. It was happen after shooting to two Rohinya youths, according to an elder from Maungdaw.

Three houses – Razak, Lalu and firewood trader- were put on fire at Ward number 5 at about 4:00 pm by Rakhine community in front of security force.  When Rohingyas rushed to the spot, the security force barred them by shooting. Beside, at 9:15pm, again the Rakhine community with help of security force- police, Hluntinand Nasaka- Ward number 5 of southern side nears the old Jail. But, the fire is still going on. In this event, two Rohingyas were dead by shooting of security force, according to a local  from Ward number 5.

Rohingya from Shwe Zar village rounded up the bridge check- post for beating two Rohingyas where a Rohingya’s hand was broken and another one was hit on his head in the evening.

The burning of Rohingya houses in Maungdaw town are seen from Teknaf and Sharpuridip of Bangladesh. The Rohinhya people in Maungdaw are in panic situation, said Mohamed Kalu , a trader from Teknaf and a local from maungdaw.
All the dead bodies were kept in custody of security force and don’t handed over to the relatives. The Rakhine community is fully cooperated by the security force.

The Maungdaw was imposed curfew from 6: 00am to 6:00pm and  we didn’t get  any information about the death of Rakhine community till writing the report.

Refugees demonstrate at Burmese refugee camp in Bangladesh

Teknaf, Bangladesh: The official Burmese Rohingya refugees peacefully demonstrated at Nayapara camp after Juma prayer today, said a refugee on condition of anonymity.

The demonstration photo of  Refugee

“Rohingya refugees demonstrated against the culprits who killed 10 innocent Muslim pilgrims in Taungup on June 3.”

A refugee elder said, “We want to give exemplary punishment to the culprits who killed 10 Muslims pilgrims in Taung Guup, Arakan State by the gang of Rakhine racists.”

Regarding the massacred, on June 7, some Burmese Rohingya refugees from the Nayapara camp distributed some pictures of 10 massacred Muslims in the camp, according to refugees

“We distributed the pictures to the refugees, nearby local villagers, some authorities of Bangladesh and UNHCR. We want to show them, how the innocent Muslims of Burma have been killed by the racist Rakhines.”

The refugees also said, “We urge the Bangladesh authorities and UNHCR to see the Rohingya issue deeply. We have been living in Bangladesh over 21 years, but we don’t see our long-lasting solution.”

Today at about 5:30 pm, Kamurul Zamman, the Camp-in-Charge of Nayapara camp summoned some refugee elders including committee members and gave them advice to stay peacefully in the camp  and  don’t gathering, said refugees.

The Camp-in-Charge said, “We are thinking about the situation of the Arakan State, Burma because of bad situation of Arakan State .”

The Camp-in-Charge also said that don’t go out of the camp without getting permission as refugees can be arrested by the concerned authority and will be sent to jail.

A massacre of 8 Muslim pilgrims together with one Muslim lady escort and one helper were also killed in Taungup Township , Arakan State , Burma on June 3 at about 3:00 pm.

The victims were Muslim pilgrims (Jamat–Islam religious persons) who were   returning to Rangoon by bus after completing of their duty at Thetsa Masjid of Thandwe Township

Breaking News : Peaceful demonstration in Maungdaw, police killed two

Maungdaw, Arakan State: The riot police fired on more than 500 young Rohingyas who are going to demonstrate peacefully in Myoma Kayandan village of Maungdaw Town Today at about 2:00pm to give the respect to the massacred 10- Muslim in Taungup on June 3. The riot police fired more than 40 rounds to the sky where two young Rohingyas died on the spot, some people injured and some houses are burning at this moment. The Rakhine surrounded the police station now and demanding, why the police fired to the young Rohingyas to death which will harm safety of the Rakhine community in Maungdaw. Detail news will come soon.