Media should pressure Burmese gov't

THE EDITOR, Sir:

In response to Gwynne Dyer's 'Bad days in Burma', published in The Gleaner dated Tuesday, July 31, 2012, I believe everyone who is born in Burma (Myanmar) should be a Burmese citizen. Where else would they be calling home if they cannot call home the only place they have ever known?

I am surprised at Aung Sang Suu Kyi's response to the question regarding the Rohingyas. I am not really surprised when U Theinsein said they cannot be responsible for Rohingyas. He is a former general, after all. Yet he is still not looking after his own people either, as the world would know.

I am not sure if Rohingyas are being persecuted on the grounds of their religion, because there are many more Muslims, mainly of Indian origin, in Burma.

In Burma, persecution is everywhere. Many people do not know what happens in Kachin state right now. Hardly any media house writes about it. The situation in Kachin state has been much longer than the Arakan state conflict. But no one said they were persecuted because of their religion, did they! Now because Rohingyas happen to be Muslims, the topic makes very touchy to the Muslims and others too. There are thousands of Christians being killed for many years - even now - but no one really cares.

This persecution is because the government chose to believe that Rohingyas do not belong to the country. It is very sad to hear all the bad news happening in Burma, but news media should pressure the government more, rather than asking neighbouring countries to open their doors.

If they keep asking other countries, the problem will never end; it will only perpetuate.

MAYSANZI RAWANG

candu.lah@gmail.com