January 1, 2016

Myanmar authorities block anti-Rohingya semina

Myanmar authorities have denied an application for a planned seminar on the ethnic identity of Rohingya Muslims – not officially recognized by the state -- living in the troubled western state of Rakhine, according to an official Thursday.

Rohingya -- whom the United Nations consider to be the world’s most persecuted ethnic minority -- have been fleeing Myanmar in droves since 2012, in fear of violence that some human rights groups consider to be state sponsored.

An invitation for the seminar planned for Friday said, “internationally claimed historical and cultural evidence is to be presented and discuss to reaffirm that the so-called Rohingyas have never been a part of Rakhine in terms of religion or culture.”

A senior official confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Thursday that Yangon’s regional government had decided Wednesday to block the seminar, expressing concern that it could have sparked anger among the public. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)

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