Rohingya plight: Activists urge international committee to form independent commission

Three activists have urged the international committee to set up an independent commission of inquiry to end the crisis faced by the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine state.

Speaking at the launch of a book, 'Witness of Horror' in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) here today, Tin Soe @ Mohamed Taher, who is also Kaladan Press Network executive editor said what was happening to the Rohingya Muslims was disappointing and unacceptable.

"We hope the international committee can address this issue and help resolve the crisis, as well as bring the perpetrators to justice.

"We will distribute for free 2,000 copies of the book in Malaysia, Thailand as well as the United Nations (UN) to open the people's eyes on what was actually happening in Arakan. We hope you can help us," he said.

'Witness of Horror' is the story of the Myanmar Army's brutality towards women in Maungdaw since Oct 9, last year.

It comprises the testimonies of 21 Rohingya women who have since fled to Bangladesh to escape the Myanmar Army's 'cleansing operations'.

The first edition book is produced by the Kaladan Press Network and supported by the Burma Relief Centre.

Meanwhile, Razia Sultan, a lawyer based in Chittagong, Bangladesh said at least 70 women and girls had been raped by the Myanmar Army and at least six of the victims were killed.

"This is so sad. The Myanmar Government must stop denying such reports of abuse," she said.

Pippa Curwen, an activist based in Chiang Mai, Thailand said soldiers were also sexually humiliating large numbers of women during security raids.

"Despite directly experiencing atrocities at the hands of the Myanmar military, villagers have been forced to deny that the Myanmar troops committed the crimes," she said. - BERNAMA