A grave situation reminiscent of past atrocities has emerged in Myanmar’s Arakan state, where a group of Hindus and Buddhists find themselves held hostage in the town of Buthidaung. This development has raised fears of a repeat of the 2017 massacre of Hindus by Rohingya terror groups in the neighboring Rakhine state.
Sources on the ground report that the region, already fraught with unrest, has witnessed a dangerous escalation, with Islamic terror groups allegedly collaborating with the military to target ethnic groups based on religious affiliations. Over 1600 Hindus and more than 120 Buddhists are reportedly among those currently being held captive.
The fate of these hostages remains uncertain, as religious and ethnic tensions continue to escalate, leading residents to flee for safety. Tragically, two youths were found dead on April 11, their throats slit—a chilling reminder of the violence that has gripped the area since the military’s conflict with Arakan Army rebel groups began in November 2023.
Allegations have surfaced accusing Rohingya terror groups of looting the homes of captives and even setting them ablaze, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In response, rebel groups are appealing to Islamic religious factions to resist succumbing to the divisive tactics employed in the current attacks. They have reiterated their commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
This latest development evokes memories of the 2017 massacre, where nearly 100 Hindus, including women and children, fell victim to Rohingya terror groups in Rakhine state. Amnesty International conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, including interviews conducted in neighboring Bangladesh.
Comments