No genocide in Myanmar: Official
HYDERABAD: While many countries, as well as human rights organisations and activists across the world, are lamenting the alleged violation of human rights in Myanmar, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Myanmar, Moe Kyaw Aung, speaking to media in Hyderabad, said there is no genocide happening in Myanmar.
When asked about international media reports alleging findings of mass graves in Myanmar, he said, “If that is the case, we are requesting evidence for it. If they say a thousand people have been killed, they should pin-point where it happened. Killing of even ten people cannot stay hidden. Myanmar is law abiding country.”
Aung also said that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) is to be blamed for killings in Myanmar. Referring to the attack by ARSA on police posts in Rakhine state in August last year that led to a crackdown by security forces, Aung said, “They attacked the border post. They themselves claimed responsibility for the killings. Far more people have been killed by those terrorists, and we have evidence. Even Hindus have been killed by them, we have evidence.”
Arrest of reporters not politically motivated
When asked about the arrest of two reporters of an international news agency who wrote about the massacre by the Army in a remote Myanmar village, Aung said, “There are many reporters from international media in Myanmar. The arrest of journalists has something to do with the Official Secrets Act. If they are not guilty they don’t have to worry. The arrest is not politically motivated. Even before the reporters went there the perpetrators were brought to justice.”
When some journalists asked Aung if they can visit conflict zones in Myanmar, he said, “According to law, you need permission to come. It is an area we have to restore, and safety has to be ensured. We are not restricting media.”
He said that even in India there are restricted areas where international media would require the permission from the government if they want to visit there.
Legible Rohingyas will be taken back
When asked about the exodus of millions of Rohingyas from Myanmar, Aung said, “There is no genocide in our country. Actually what is happening is that there was an attack (attack by ARSA on police posts). There was cross firing, people left. Since January we have been taking back people. We have also signed treaty with Bangladesh. We are performing national verification process. If it is approved, they belong to the territory and will be allowed to return. Laws are in place. Whoever is eligible for citizenship, will be granted (citizenship).”