May 19, 2016

Anti-Rohingya protesters hit Ayeyarwady Region

The three-hour demonstration in the heat of the afternoon brought hundreds to Shwe Maw Taw Pagoda in Pathein. Over 90 monks and nuns also participated, according to demonstration organisers and locals.

The nationalist camp has been in a fervour over the official terminology for a Muslim group in Rakhine State that self-identifies as Rohingya since a US embassy statement issued last month. The statement expressed condolences for Rohingya – who are referred to as Bengalis by those who prefer to characterise the group as illegal immigrants.

The previous government used “Bengali” as the official term, while State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has asked the US embassy to refrain from using the word “Rohingya”, she has not stated what should be used instead. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)

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