Myanmar Moves to Unveil New Economic Policy And End Religious Violence

Buddhist extremists! Surely an oxymoron. Yet according to an article by Reuters titled “After Violence, Myanmar Moves To Curb Religious Extremism”, that’s exactly what has been happening in Myanmar. We all, at least I do, associate Buddhism with peace and tranquility, not with the burning down of mosques or injuring people in the name of religion. However, earlier this month a large group of ‘peaceful’ Buddhists burnt down a prayer hall belonging to a Muslim community, causing the occupants to flee for their lives. I never thought I would live to see the day when the world’s most peaceful religion embraces violence.

There has always been tension between Muslim and Buddhist communities in Myanmar over the decades, but only after the military pulled back from governing the country a few years ago has violence escalated. As a foreign investor, and one who has been very bullish on Myanmar, I sincerely hope that the government of Aung San Suu Kyi puts an end to the tension immediately. If not, the economy will surely suffer. (Courtesy of fronteranews.com)