Myanmar ponders potential radicalization of Rohingyas

In the courtyard of Myanmar's Islamic University in Thetkaypyin village, half a dozen teachers sit around the courtyard while classes change.

It's the worst of times for the Buddhist-majority country's leading madrassa, now surrounded by refugee camps and villages that have been under prison-like conditions for three years.

At present 400 students are attending the university, the largest school in Rakhine State. Founded in 1951, some of the college's graduates go on to serve as imams or go abroad for further studies, says Kyaw Zaw La, university professor.

Observers suggest that the abysmal living conditions in the refugee camps and the abject poverty of its residents are ripe for radicalization. Rohingyas, who lack basic rights in Myanmar, are denied citizenship, stripped of voting rights and denied access to adequate health care and education.

The Jan. 14 attacks on the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, have amplified fears of recruitment by radicalized elements.

Aung Win, a Rohingya community leader in the district raised concerns that Myanmar could be a target of the so-called Islamic State by recruiting young, unemployed Muslims. (Courtesy of ucanews.com)