Religion
Related: About this forumViolence and responsibility in Myanmar
By Matthew J Walton
After a brief lull in Buddhist-Muslim conflict in Myanmar, there are reports of renewed violence and unrest in western Rakhine State, where Muslim Rohingya and Buddhist Rakhines remain forcibly separated. A law that would restrict inter-religious marriage is gaining in popularity, while Buddhist monks associated with the 969 movement continue to preach anti-Muslim sermons.
At the same time, they rely on a particular interpretation of Buddhist teachings to deny responsibility for the violence committed in the name of 969 and the protection of Buddhism. However, others have argued for a different interpretation of Buddhist philosophy rooted in the teaching of ''right speech'' and an awareness of the effects of our actions on others.
Many factors fuel persistent religious and communal tensions in Myanmar, including long-standing prejudice against Muslims in the country. Despite government pledges to prosecute those who contributed to recent violence in accordance with the law, Muslims have thus far been disproportionately sentenced.
Many Buddhists believe that Buddhism in Myanmar is not only under threat from Islam but are also frustrated by Western dismissals of this threat and the perception that the global community is demonizing Buddhism while only acknowledging Muslim grievances. While the plight of the Rohingya has received the bulk of international media coverage, Rakhine Buddhists have felt that their own conditions of poverty and denial of rights have been ignored.
more..http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-230813.html
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(82,333 posts)muriel_volestrangler
(101,271 posts)The trouble broke out overnight around the central town of Kanbalu, when police refused to hand over a Muslim man accused of raping a Buddhist woman.
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Earlier this week, a car carrying UN human rights rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana was attacked by a crowd in the central town of Meiktila as he tried to investigate sectarian attacks there in March.
He has accused the country's government of failing to protect him when his convoy came under attack as some 200 people surrounded his car, punching the doors and windows.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23831382