Burma Human Rights Network Monthly Update on Human Rights abuses and religious intolerance in Burma January, 2017 1
Contents Page Summary 1. Ma Ba Tha monks support army offensive against ethnic groups... 4 2. Authorities ask to demolish a part of mosque in Mon State after accusation by a monk on Facebook... 5 3. Rohingya with NVC card can cross border into Bangladesh... 6 4. News on 10 Muslim students went on rampage on motorbike was fake> Police... 6 5. Authorities vowed to take action against the police who beat up Muslims in Rakhine village... 7 6. Ma Ba Tha defies order to remove its signboards... 7 7. Race and religion laws to amend this year... 8 8. Interfaith events marking Prophet Day disrupted by so called radical Buddhist monks... 8 9. A monk who built pagoda in Church compound hailed as a saint... 10 10. Ma Ba Tha central criticised Irrawaddy journal for publishing interview with the head of a Buddhist sect... 11 11. President office wrongly accuse ethnic group of arresting two priest... 12 12. Ma Ba Tha to protest if race and religion laws amended... 13 13. Fine impose for entering village ban on Muslims... 13 14. Plan to issue smart card raises concern on revocation of citizenship IDs... 14 15. Interfaith friendship workshop in Pyay after religious tension... 15 16. The news on allowing 300,000 Rohingya into Myanmar not true, MoFA... 15 17. Sermons include hate speech delivered in front of a mosque in Ayeyarwady... 16 18. Monk Wirathu sermon banned... 17 19. Additional document requirement for Muslim applicants for citizenship ID... 17 20. Donation of cattle nationalists work: Ma Ba Tha... 18 21. A distorted anti-islam rhetoric using national leader... 18 22. Fake news on Muslim mass prayers in Kayin State... 19 23. A Facebook post praises killer of U Ko Ni... 20 24. Historians refute claim on Rohingya... 21 25. No inquiry on killings of Muslims in Rakhine... 22 26. Two Rohingya jailed on human trafficking charges... 23 27. Ultra nationalist conduct trainings for followers... 24 28. Muslim man arrested for excavating out old pagoda... 25 U Wirathu s activities and travel record... 26 to 31 Myanmar National Network (MNN)' Anti-Muslim & Anti-NLD Movement... 31 to 34 Summary The authorities said they would take actions against the police who were seen in a video beating up detained Rohingya villagers in Ko Tan Kauk village in Northern Rekhine State. The video was taken during security operation in the aftermath of 9 October attack on border outposts of Myanmar security went on viral since 31 December. The government has failed to take action over killing of innocent people in northern Rakhnie State. People expressed concern over possible withdrawal of citizenship identification cards after the government announced a plan to replace them with Smart card. 2
Rohingya people who hold Nationality Verification Card NVC are allow to cross the border into Bangladesh. Rakhine historians denied on existence of Rohingya race. Authorities asked for demolishing of a mosque in Chaung Sone after allegation was made the mosque was illegally built. One Muslim man was forced to pay fine by village administrator after he enter a village where Muslims are banned. The Muslim applicants for citizenship identification cards are asked to furnish more documents than the people of other religion need to provide. Ma BA Tha said it support military operation by Tatmadaw against the ethnic minority group and Ma Ba Tha still refuse to take out its sign despite of the order by the authorities to do so. The group is leader U Wira Thu said the order is still not effective. An ultra-nationalist Maung Thaway Chun warned that the supporters of Ma Ba Tha will come out on the street to protest if parliament amend the four race and religion laws. An event, which include sermon by U Wirathu in Pathein was banned but sermon that included hate message against Muslims was allowed to be held in front of the mosque in Einme. The ultra-nationalist groups have disrupted the events to mark the birth of Prophet of Islam. In Pyay city, an interfaith conference was held at the Prophet Birthday event was forced to cancel after protest by nationalist groups. During the month many online post, which include hate message, were posted on social media. A post, which praised suspect in killing of a prominent lawyer U Ko Ni was spread quickly in the social media. Similarly, anti-islamic rhetoric purportedly wrote by General Aung San was circulated. In addition, there are rumours like 10 student of Islamic school in Kyone Doe rampage on motorbike, mass prayer by Muslim in Myawaddy were social media. There was fake news which stated that Myanmar will accept 300 000 Rohighya from Bangladesh. Ma Ba Tha headquarters criticised Irrawaddy for publishing an interview with Moe Pya sect. A Ma Ba Tha monk said donation of cattle to spare the live of animal is one of the work for nationalists. A writer Maung Thawy Chun praised a monk who supervised building of pagoda inside Church compound was hailed as a religious hero. U Wira Thu, Maung THawy Chun and Nay Myo Wai conducted a nationalist training for their followers in Dawei. 3
1. Ma Ba Tha monks support army offensive against ethnic groups A public rally in support of offensive by Myanmar army in Rakhine State and other ethnic areas held in Pathein Township in Ayeyarwady Region on 1 January. The rally held at the Kan Yar Union ground was attended by 5000 people from 26 townships in the region including monks belong to the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion, more commonly known with its Myanmar acronym Ma Ba Tha as well as the group s supporters and members of war veteran organisation. There are criticism by local residence to the rally, many people held activities against the rally by displaying banners in the town saying, People of Pathein only want peace and People of Pathein support 21 century Panglong. A senior monk in Pathein has criticised participation of monks in the protest. One senior monk was quoted as saying in a Facebook page of a journalist of The Voice newspaper Zaw Tint. The post said I asked the senior monk on his reaction to the involvement of monks in the rally and he said what Lord Buddha said was very clear. The monks are to do only two task, which is call two Duya tasks. Monks have to do learning and teaching or if they are not doing that, they need to do prayers, which is call Thamatha Wipathana. If they support war, it is against the teaching of Lord Buddha. Those who respect the teaching of Lord Buddha (Wini) has set examples of doing so. Also there has been a series of criticism posted by the residence of Pathein against participation of monks also against those who support the war. A poet Sayar Toe Wai wrote on his Facebook post that writers and poet opposed to the pro/war rally. One Education Officer from Kan Gyi Daunt said while watching the rally passed through the town said I do not war I like peace. I absolutely oppose to the participation of monks in the rally. I do not support neither just nor unjust war. The rally in support of the offensive by Myanmar military was held during 1 to 5 pm they marched across the city by carrying banners and majority of the participants in the rally are Kyaung Kone and Pantanaw, the two stronghold of Ma Ba Tha in the region, said a local resident. Reference: BHRN Figure 1 : Ma Ba Tha monk rally support army offensive against ethnic groups at Pathein Township. 4
2. Authorities ask to demolish a part of mosque in Mon State after accusation by a monk on Facebook The authorities in Mon State has asked for demolishing of a part of Htaung Kone Darga (shrine for a Muslim saint) mosque Chaung Sone Township in Mon State after a monk accused that the mosque was doing more repair work than what was permitted. The Religious Affairs Department of Chaung Sone has issued permit on 18 February 2014 giving permission to do the repair work within the existing mosque building. The Htaung Kone mosque is situated on 0.25 acre of land in the No 10 ward of Khayeik Thit village. The plot number is 779 B Kaw Ta Kha ground, and it is designated as religious land. The order for destruction of a part of the mosque came a day after the Facebook page of Ashin Thusita carried a posted on 11 January accused the mosque authorities of building an extension without permission. The authorities summoned the administration of the mosque to the General Administration Department (GAD) on 18 January to sign an undertaking to demolish the part of mosque, said U Khin Maung Oo, the Chairman of Township Municipal Department. The GAD hold meeting of the Township Administration Committee on 12 January to discuss the matter. After meeting, trustees group of mosque decided to demolish which complaint part of mosque. Htaung kone Darga has been under repair since April 2015. The shrine lost its land after the order by Socialist Government led by U Nay Win to give ownership of land to the land labourers. Reference: BHRN Figure 2 : After a group of Monk pressure, authorities ordered to demolish some part of mosque 5
3. Rohingya with NVC card can cross border into Bangladesh The Rohingya people in Maungtaw who are holding the identity card for Nationality Verification Card are allow to cross the border into Bangladesh. The Maungtaw border trade out post was reopened on 21 December after closure of two months. U Thein Maung, the Secretary of Maungtaw Border Trade Association said only Rohingya workers who hold NVC card are allow to go on board in motor boats to travel to the border. Before the terror attack in Maungtaw people who show identity paper on surrender of temporary registration cards were allowed to go to the border on motorboat. Now only those who hold NVC could go and majority of Rohingya workers do not hold NVC. An officer with the Maungtaw District Immigration Department said the new rule on travel to border was instructed by the central government. According to a statement issued by the State Councillor Office about 400 000 people have surrendered the temporary registration cards and only more than 6000 people have the NVC card. Reference: San Taw Chein and 7 Day 4 January 2017 4. News on 10 Muslim students went on rampage on motorbike was fake> Police The police in Kyone Do Township refuted a claim in a Facebook page of U Wirathu that a group of Muslims students on motorbike with the flag of so-called Islamic State terrorist group went on rampage. The monk said their intention was to stair up religious violence. In the actual event, 10 Muslim youths from Kan Ni village in Kyone Doe Township wearing same design of clothes rode on motorbike in the village, which caused annoyed to the villagers. They were called to the police station on 5 January to sign undertaking not to act in the same way in future, said an officer with Kone Doe Police. However, the officer said their motor bike did not hold IS flags as U Wirathu claimed. Among the 10 youths, eight are from Mawlamyine and the rest are from Thingan Nyi Naung and Kya in Seik Gyi townships. The youths are from the Islamic School in Lei Ward in Mawlamyine. They were doing fun ride on the Independence Day holiday. Reference: News Watch Journal, Daily 11, Facebook page of Wirathu Figure 3 : 10 Muslim Student were interrogated over spread of IS group rumor 6
5. Authorities vowed to take action against the police who beat up Muslims in Rakhine village A video showing a group of policemen beating up a group of Muslims in Koe Tan Kauk village in Rakhine State, went on viral since 31 December. The police said the video shows the policemen doing security operation in Koe Tan Kauk village to arrest the suspect of the attack on the security forces on 9 October. The video shows the police beating and kicking of a group of youths, who were rounded up. A statement issued by the State Counsellor Office said the video was taken by camera in mobile phone. The police said according to initial finds those who involved in the abuse are Police Major Htun Naing of No 2 Border Guard Force, Second Lieutenant Tay Zar Lin of No 36 Police sub-division and policemen Zaw Myo Hteik, who took the video and Pyi Phyo Kaw who was seen in the video kicking the arrested Rohingya people. The State Counsellor Office issued a statement saying that all those who were arrested and they would face prosecution under the police disciplinary laws. The video emerged while the Myanmar authorities refuted the claims by the international community over human rights abuses perpetrated against Muslims during security operations in Northern Rakhine State. Reference: 7 Day News Figure 4 : A video showing a group of policemen beating up a group of Muslims in Koe Tan Kauk village in Rakhine State on November, 2016 6. Ma Ba Tha defies order to remove its signboards The highest monk supervisory committee the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (Ma Ha Na) has issued an order on 7 December for removal of the signboards of Ma Ba Tha- Myanmar acronym of a pro-buddhist group the Association for Protection of Race and Religion. The order to remove all signboard of Ma Ba Tha in every townships, it was issued in consultation with the local authorities. 7
Ma Ba Tha and Ma Ha Na has a good and cordial relations at every level, this order is because of the pressure from the government, said U Wirathu who is the leader of Ma Ba Tha. U Wirathu said Ma Ba Tha has not received the order and he and other members of Ma Ba Tha said the order was not in line with the basic rules of the Sangha and rules of monks. In an order issued by Ma Ha Na on 12 July 2016, Ma Ba Tha was declared as an illegal organisation. The Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs Thura U Aung Ko said if Ma Ba Tha wanted to continue its operation, it should only works to protect the race and religion and avoid spreading of hate messages, which create conflict among the members of the different religions. Reference: Frontier Myanmar 7. Race and religion laws to amend this year The Chair of the Committee on Women and Child Rights of the Amyotha Hluttaw, Dr May Thaung, said the four laws collectively knowns as the Race and Religion Protection laws, which earned notoriety, as discriminatory laws against the members of the minority religions would be amended. He made the comment in an address to a seminar on Women Right held in Nay Pyi Taw on 24 January. He said a new law on protection women would be introduced to the parliament this year, which would require the four laws to be amended in order for them to be in line with the new law. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, Ms Yan Hee Lee has recommended for amendment of the law during her recent trip to Myanmar. The international community and the women rights activists in Myanmar have protested on adoption the four laws, which they say violate some of the rights of women. The four laws- the Monogamy Law, the Religious Conversion Law, Interfaith Marriage Law and Population Control Law-were adopted by former president U Thein Sein after a petition was signed by about 130 000 people in support for adoption of the laws was sent to him in 2014. Reference: RFA Burmese 8. Interfaith events marking Prophet Day disrupted by so called patriotic monks During January many interfaith events planned in conjunction of the celebration of Prophet Day in Yangon and other parts of Myanmar were disrupted by monks belong to ultra nationalist groups. An event due to be held on 6 January in Tarkayta was forced to cancelled after objection by Nationalist Alliance group. The Alliance is formed with 17 similar groups, which include the Patriotic Youth and Myanmar Nationalist Congress. A similar event held on 8 January in Botathaung Township was forced to cut short after monks disrupted the event. And a similar event planned to be held in Pyay Township on 15 January was cancelled before the event started. The organisers of the events have permission from the respective township or regional level General Administration Departments to hold the events despite of that they were disrupted by the ultranationalist groups. 8
The event in Tarkayta was disrupted by a group of monks led by U Thusita. They gathered in front of the New Light Hall, the venue for the event, and used laud hailers to play music. To disrupt the event in YMCA hall in Botathaung Township, the monks blocked the entrance. In Pyay, the monk gathered in front of Shwe Bae Mosque where the event was planned to be held and distributed pamphlets, which include hate message against Muslims. The monk groups have also send the letter of objection to the authorities to cancel two Prophet Day events planned in Yangon one to be held on 21 January at the Central Hall and on 22 at Kyoliya mosque. The organisers, however, decided to go ahead with the event. Haji U Aye Lwin who was one of the preachers at the event in YMCA said, We can resolve any thing though dialogue. Therefore, we have organised the event successfully after having discussion to dispel misunderstanding and suspicions. However, the event had to cut short. We decided to cut short the event as the other side has concerns that it could trigger conflict so that is why we have decided to cut short the event this time. The authorities have issued permission so we could have organised as we wanted but we did not do according to our wish only. Even though the security forces came to the scene but they did not take any actions against the people who trying to disrupt the event. Also the officials of the administration department have not taken any action to prevent the disruption of the event, in Pyay, even people from the Administration Department revoked the permission to hold the event. We have decided to stop the event, to show the people in Myanmar and to the wider world that Islam is a peaceful religion, said an organiser of the event in Pyay. Source: BHRN Figure 5(a): Social Minister of Yangon permitted the event of Interfaith and Prophet Day Celebration. 9
Figure 5 (b) : Nationalist monk group interrupt the Prophet Day event in front of YMCA Hall. Figure 5(c) : Organizers demolished decoration of Prophet Day Event after Nationalist objected. 9. A monk who built pagoda in Church compound hailed as a saint A nationalist writer, Maung Thway Chun, hailed a monk as hero in an article published in Tha Gyi Thway journal publish on 27. Myine Gyi Ngu monk U Thumana has supervised building of a pagoda in the compound of a Church in Myine Gyi Ngu region in Kayin State. In the article, Maung Thway Chun said Churches were built on land own by Buddhist. British while they occupied Myanmar set a goal of spreading Christianity. Even though weak people had let the 10
religious land to be occupied by Christians, but a saint like Myine Gyi Ngu has stood up and built pagoda to highlights the fact that these lands were previously belong to the Buddhists. Maung Thway Chun in his article reacted to criticism against Myine Gyi Ngu monk in an article published in The Voice journal on 16 January 2017. The columnist Ko Min Maung wrote in his article with the title The tidal blows during 2016 that Christians has not reacted to attempt by Myine Gyi Ngu monk to incite religious violence by building pagoda in Church. In early April 2016, Buddhist religious flags were planted inside the compound of Anglican Church in Kun Taw village in Hline Bwe Township in Kayin State and a group of Buddhists built pagoda inside the Church compound on 23 April. Similarly, a pagoda was built inside a Church in Kunbi village in Hline Bwe Township in December 2015. In other event, on 25 April 2016, a pagoda was built overnight near the place close to the Mosque in Shwe Gun village in Hline Bwe Township, with the reason that Myine Gyi Ngu monk has dreamt about building a pagoda in that area. Earlier, on 23 March same year a Buddha statue was buried on the site where the pagoda was built. Maung Thway Chun has criticised the Nationalist League for Democracy for not nominating Muslim among the candidates it field for the elections, he said the move was discriminatory. In a seemingly double standard approach by the writer, he is calling the monk who built pagoda in the religious sites belong to minority religions as hero. Reference: Thar Gyi Thway 27 January 2017 page 15 10. Ma Ba Tha central criticised Irrawaddy journal for publishing interview with the head of a Buddhist sect The Association for the Protection of Race and Religion, more commonly known with its Myanmar acronym Ma Ba Tha, has criticised the publication of an interview with the leader of Moe Pya sect, which has futuristic belief. The group said sect leader Ashin Nyanna was acting against the religion. A publication on collections of the sermons by Ashin Nyanna was banned by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in last December. U Nyanna (a.k.a) U Nay Win has issued a statement on 6 January challenging the decision by the government and the monk group to call him and his group as acting against the religion. Following that event the Irrawaddy published the interview, with Ashin Nyanna, who face violation of freedom of expression, on its website on 3 January. In the interview, Ashin Nyanna said he did not believe in the notion that if you beat someone that person would beat you back and if you blow out someone s eye your eye would be also blown out in reprisal action. People are poor because of the dictatorship or because of cronies, but they said it was because of their Karma, these words are to appease the dictators. Ma Ba Tha in a statement issued on 11 January strongly denounced the interview, as it would spread the belief of Moe Pya sect locally and internationally. It said the Irrawaddy is giving support to the views of Moe Pya sect. The minister of Culture and Religious ;[[[[ Thura U Aung Ko told journalists on 12 December that Moe Pya sect would face persecution if it continue to spread its belief. Reference: Statement by Ma Ba Tha Central, Irrawaddy News Agency 3 January 2017 11
Figure 6 : Central Ma Ba Tha criticised Irrawaddy journal for publishing interview with Moe Pya sect. 11. President office wrongly accuse ethnic group of arresting two priest A government spokesperson said the two Christian priests in the Shan State were arrested by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The accusation made after the two priests from a church Mone Ko went on missing since 24 December. The two priests U Daut Daw Naung Latt, 65 and U Lan Gyaw Gun Sai, 35, disappeared after they went to a military barrack. The pair helped journalists and human rights activists who came to see their church destroyed in an air raid by Myanmar military. U Zaw Htay, the spokesperson for the President Office and State Counsellor told journalists on 10 January that the priests were arrested by KIA. However, on 19 December Myanmar military issued a statement saying that it has arrested the two priests for their alleged connection with the terrorist groups and for spreading false information. U Zaw Htay, a spokesperson for the President and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, persistently denied the allegations of human rights abuse in the areas in Rakhine State where majority Muslim people live. However, after the video showing police beating the villagers went viral, the government admitted that the incident actually took place. Reference: BHRN 12
12. Ma Ba Tha to protest if race and religion laws amended A pro-buddhist group the Association for Protection of Race and Religion- more commonly known with its Myanmar acronym Ma Ba Tha said its supporters would come out on the streets across Myanmar if the four race and religion laws are amended. The laws were adopted during the term of former president U Thein Sein. A leading member of Ma Ba Tha, Maung Thway Chun, challenged the government. He said tell them to do (amend the laws) if they dare, Ma Ba Tha will not accept amendments, unwarranted problems would arise, our supporters will come out on the streets to protest. The chair of the parliamentary committee on Women and Child Rights, Dr Mya Thaung, said the bill on the protection of women rights, which was drafted by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement would be submitted to the parliament. He said after the new law is adopted the race and religion laws need to be amended. The leader of Ma Ba Tha U Wirathu wrote in a post on his Facebook page on 26 January that the parliament of this government is taking destructive actions, first its scrapped guest registration act, and then abolish Ma Ba Tha and now trying to amend the race and religion laws. The race and religion laws were adopted by the parliament during the term of president U thein Sein despite of criticisms. Reference: The Irrawaddy 28 January 2016 13. Fine impose for entering village ban on Muslims A Muslim man was forced to pay Kyat 100 000 as fine for entering a village in Kayin State which ban people of Islamic faith. The incident took place on 28 December after a Muslim man from Kaw Tha Khee village entered into Mu Ta Khee village in Pha-An, which imposed ban on Muslims. The man U Kyaw Min (a.k.a) Marimoe went into the village after his friend Katpali asked for lift to send him to the Mu Ta Khee village, where Muslims are banned since last year. On his way out of the village, he was followed by the village administrator and his followers and they asked for fine. He had to handover his motorbike in lieu for the fine. To reclaim his motorbike he had to give Kyat 15 000 as bribe to the village administrator U Htun Yone. He could not afford to pay the fine amount. Mutakhi village imposed the ban on Muslims and members of other minority religion since last year. A signboard saying that members of minority religion are not allow to enter the village was placed at the entrance of the village. The move was organised by some local monks and his followers as well as the head of village administration of Kaw Sein Ban Aut village. They signed a declaration to impose ban, it also include call for boycott economically and socially against the members of minority religions. Reference: BHRN 13
Figure 7 : A Muslim man was forced to pay Kyat 100 000 as fine for entering a Muslim-not-allowed village in Kayin State 14. Plan to issue smart card raises concern on revocation of citizenship IDs Some Muslims said they are concern that the government s move to change the citizenship identification cards into smart cards could lead to revocation of their citizenship. A high court lawyer said the people should feel themselves fortunate if their citizenship IDs were not confiscated when they go and change their ID with smart card, which are also called as National Electronic IDs (NeID). He said according to the rules, the members of minority religion would not be given citizenship IDs. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Manpower is issuing NeID as substitute to the paper IDs. The department has started as pilot projects in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Yangon regions as well as in Rakhine State. Also, the new applicant for citizenship IDs are issued with smart cards. The ministry has plan to gradually substitute the paper cards with smart cards. In the process of exchanging the cards, it is likely that people who are holding citizenship IDs could face their cards being revoked. During early 1990s after the military coup, the three-fold version of Nationality Verification Cards were substituted with the current pink colour citizenship IDs. After that, children born from the parents who holds citizenship IDs are issued with the pink colour full citizenship cards. Based on the religious belief, the name of the race of the bearer is mentioned in different ways. When NeID are to be issued, it will be based on the information recorded at the time of application for the original citizenship IDs. Also the people who obtained their citizenship IDs by bribing the officials to obtain card would be a cause of concern for them. Even though, the government assured that the original cards would be placed with smart cards, but concerns are rising for possible denial to issue smart cards to all bearers of citizenship IDs. Reference: BHRN 14
15. Interfaith friendship workshop in Pyay after religious tension A two-day interfaith workshop was held in Pyay on 21 and 22 of January, following religious tension rises following the ban of a ceremony to mark the birth of Prophet. An organiser of the workshop said it was held to find a way how to prevent religious violence in future. This is democratic transition period for Myanmar; it is a very sensitive time. This is a Union where people of different ethnic backgrounds and religious belief live together. Religious riots broke out in western parts of Bago Region in 2013, said U Kyaw San a member of Network for prevention of Religious riot in Pyay District. The workshop was attended by a member of Yangon Region parliament U Nay Phone Latt, a veteran writer Daw San San Nwe Tharyarwaddy, U Than Win Htut from the Democratic Voice of Burma as well as members of the civil society organisations. And they had exchange of views during the workshop. Daw San San Nwe Tharyarwaddy told the conference that using rumours to incite violence was work of people who have no capacity to think objectively. An event to mark the birthday of Prophet of Islam was planned for 15 January, which was cancelled after a group of nationalists objected. Based on the incident there has been incitement for religious violence. A group of 27 CSOs from Pyay have issued a statement on 17 January, which mention ways on how to effectively prevent outbreak of religious violence. Reference: No 1342 January 23 7 Day Daily and BHRN 16. The news on allowing 300 000 Rohingya into Myanmar not true, MoFA A senior Foreign Ministry official denied a report which said the National League for Democracy is assessing to accept 300 000 Rohingya people from Bangladesh into Myanmar. The news was spread on social media earlier. A post on social media Facebook page of Kyaw Swar said Plan to accept 300 000 Kular (a derogatory term used in Myanmar against Muslims and South Asian origins) Bengali (Rohingya) approved. The pictures showing a group of Rohingya people was also posted on the page together with the post. The post was shared among 4888 Facebook users and 4300 users have shared their emotion over the news. However, a spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Zayyar refuted the news in an in interview with 7 Day Daily on 23 January. The picture posted on the Facebook page of Kyaw Swar was actually the pictures of 700 Rohingya people rescued by Indonesia Navy guards and the pictures of migrant workers trying to enter into Indonesia. Reference: No 1342 January 23 7 Day Daily and BHRN Sources 15
17. Sermons include hate speech delivered in front of a mosque in Ayeyarwady A sermon was preached by Mya Nan monk, who is famous for his anti-islam rhetoric, in front of a mosque in Anawratha upper ward in Einme Township in Ayeyarwady Region on 23 January. There have been lesser numbers sermons during recent time. The local Muslim residents said they are concerned over provocation by sermon. While advertising on the sermon event, the organiser played nationalist song Thargyi Thawy. Previously such sermon were only allowed to deliver at a stadium at the outskirt of the town, this time it was allow to hold in a large Buddhist congregation hall, situated in front of a mosque in the centre of the town. An eyewitness said the members of military, police and fire brigade has guarded the event. It is quite strange they hold the sermon event in front of the mosque, before such event were organised in stadium. We are concerned after seeing the presence of military, said U Maung Maung who is a member of a religious organisation in the town. The Wunthanu Rakhita group requested troops from No 63 infantry battalion to provide security for the event and four armed soldiers were stationed in front of the congregation hall and they were facing towards the mosque. However, the soldiers were asked to leave after it looked awaked to place military in front of a religious event, the administrator of the upper ward said. The sermon by Mya Nan monk on the race and religion was attended by 600 supporters of Ma Ba Tha and the sermon included calling Buddhists not to marry Muslims and not to buy from Muslim shops. The monk quoting a book by an author Nyein Chan Lu Lin said the historic facts on Rohingya were nothing but lies. Reference: BHRN Figure 8 : Mya Nan monk preached hate speech in front of Mosque at Eain Me Tsp, Ayeyarwaddy. 16
18. Monk Wirathu sermon banned The Ayeyarwady Region government has denied permission to a famous Ma Ba Tha monk to preach sermon in Pathein. The Region government said it feared the sermon could trigger religious violence, as tension is high after a prominent Muslim lawyer U Ko Ni was shot dead in Yangon in late January. The sermon was plan to be held in Shu Khin Tha square of Pathein on 31 January and 1 February. Together with U Wiratu, Bandata Widara the monk of Shwe Ma Soe Yine monastery was also to plan to give sermon. Permission for the event was requested to the Ayeyarwady Region General Administration Department by Ayeyarwady Nationalist network. It was found out afterward that among those who were to give sermon include U Wirathu, the organisers have already started preparing stage for the monks to give sermon, and they have compile woods that are needed to build the stage. The Region government has refused to give permission and U Wirathu has not come to Pathein, a journalist said. The Voice journal quoting an official from the Ayeyarwady Region government said the reason for refusing permission to U Wirathu to speak was to prevent religious violence in the aftermath of the assassination of U Ko Ni. The official added that there has been criticism over U Wirathu sermons as he include hate messages against minority religions, which is against the teaching of Lord Buddha. Some of his post on social media has created controversy and trigger debate among the members of different religions. One Buddhist schoolteacher in Pathein said, I have never met U Wirathu I am glad the sermon was cancelled. He is spreading hate message, what he wrote on social media is all against Kular (a derogatory term used in Myanmar against Muslims and South Asian origins). U Ko Ni was assassinated on 29 January in front of the Yangon International Airport by a gunman who shot him from point blank range. The incident happened on U Ko Ni s return from Indonesia. Reference: BHRN 19. Additional document requirement for Muslim applicants for citizenship ID The immigration department ask for additional papers from the Muslim applicants of citizenship identification cards, more than what members of the other religions required to furnish for the same purpose. A local resident of Thandwe Daw Aye Su said, They have been asking for recommendation letter since mid-2016. In addition, we need to provide evidence of the citizenship status of parents and grandparents. Previously we were only ask to mention in the column for race as Rakhine and Kaman in form 1, now they ask from recommendation letter from Kaman National Party if we mention as Kaman. This is an example of using a political party for a matter which is not concerned with it, she said. We ask recommendation not to mistaken identity, we do at our own arrangement not instructed to do so, said U So Naung, the head of Thandwe District Immigration and Manpower department. He said only Kaman people are asked to provide such recommendation letter. 17
Kaman people in Thandwe face challenges to get their citizenship ID as they need to get approval from the different level of the immigration department. A local resident Daw Hla Soe said, my elder brothers have citizenship scrutiny cards, so as my mother my father had Nationality Registration card. When I apply for citizenship ID for my children, I was asked to get recommendation letter from Kaman party. It took two years to obtain the citizenship ID. Reference: BHRN sources 20. Donation of cattle nationalists work: Ma Ba Tha An article by Ashin Santa Zawti in recent edition of the Thargi Thway journal said competing for butcher licence with the other religions to safe the live of cattle is a way to promote nationalist cause. He wrote in 27 January issue of the journal that if the members of minority religion won tender for butcher licence they will become richer and they would use their wealth for disappearance of Myanmar race and Buddhism. That is why wining for butcher licence in competition against Kular (a derogatory term used in Myanmar against Muslims and South Asian origins) could prevent the threat against our race and religion, the monk wrote. The monk said the cattle, who safeguard the lives of the people, are like parents. The monk quoting Leti monk said cattle meat should not be consumed. Starting from 2012 Ziwita Dhana group, which is an affiliate group of Ma Ba Tha, has been competing for butcher licence. Especially in Ayeyarwady, the group raided butcher house and ban transport of cattle from one township to another, those involved were arrested. The group also prevented Muslims from celebrating the Eid-ul-Aduha, which involve sacrifice of cattle. Reference: Thargyi Thway Journal 27 January 27 2017 page 32 21. A distorted anti-islam rhetoric using national leader A comment purportedly written by Myanmar independence hero General Aung San, which include anti-muslim rhetoric, was circulated in the social media. The comment posted on the social media page of Kapiya Pho Tae on 16 January include the signature of General Aung San and the text said, During the time of our kings we Bamar treat you Muslims as our slaves. It was found out later that the text was not included in the original message by General. It was believed to be done through distortion of the original photo. The post was shared among 226 social media users, 420 people liked the post and 10 people have wrote their comment on the post. Similarly in other Facebook pages hate message against Muslims using General Aung San s portrait are widely circulated. They include the Facebook page of Wira Myo Set who regularly post anti- Muslim rhetoric. Reference: 7 Day Daily No 1342, January 23 2017 18
Figure 9 : An anti-muslim rhetoric post was circulated in the social media with fake photo 22. Fake news on Muslim mass prayers in Kayin State U Zaw Lin wrote on his Facebook page on 19 January that a group of Muslims gathered for mass prayers on every Friday in a compound own by a Muslim in Myawaddy Town in Kayin State. After the news was posted, the chair of the township municipal department U Than Shwe, ward administrator U Kyaw Myint along with the two two people went to look the home at no 3 ward Mhan Ba Khine Road and they did not find anything like what was mentioned in U Zaw Lay s post. The inspection group found out that the owner of the house U Hla Shwe was ill and he was not at the home, he was on a travel. There was no evidence of gathering of people or building of mosque as claimed in the post. Another Facebook user Thetoo Naing in a post warned U Zaw Lay not to write fake news, as it could create misunderstanding among the people and could trigger violence. Reference: BHRN and Thetoo Naing Facebook 19
Figure 10 : Myawaddy township admin look the compound after spread the fake news. 23. A Facebook post praises killer of U Ko Ni A Facebook post which praise U Kyi Linn, the suspect in the killing of a prominent Muslim lawyer U Ko Ni has quickly spread on the social media. By around mid-night on 29 January, the day the lawyer was shot in front of the Yangon International Airport, the post was shared among 1800 social media users and 30 000 people have liked the post. A Facebook user Tin Ko Latt first wrote a post which said Let us congratulate U Kyi Linn a fellow Mandalay resident for his heroic work of killing wicket man Nga Ni (degrading term to refer a person). You are feel free to differ to my opinion. Among the 110 Facebook users who gave comment on the post, some said they totally disagree with Tin Ko Latt while some praised him for his support for an act of terror. Tin Ko Latt regularly write anti-islamic rhetoric on his Facebook page and he has 30 000 followers. Reference: BHRN 20
Figure 11 : A Facebook post which praise U Kyi Linn, the suspect in the killing of a prominent Muslim lawyer U Ko Ni 24. Historians refute claim on Rohingya Two senior historians, Dr Aye Chan, an ethnic Rakhine and U Khin Maung Saw (Berlin), a lecturer of Burmese language told a gathering in Yangon on 22 January that there was no historic fact to prove on the existence of Rohingya people. He said the people who live in majority numbers in Maungtaw and Buthitaung and spread across in Myanmar are in fact Bengalis. They were speaking at a seminar Myanmar for all ethnic people organised by the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs at the Sayar San Plaza in Yangon. Rohingyas does not exist either in Myanmar or in Bangladesh or in India, U Khin Maung Saw (Berlin) told reporters after the seminar. Dr Aye Chan said there are more than 500 000 Bengali illegally migrated into Myanmar and he said Myanmar has rights to deport back to their country of origin. He made the comment referring to a statement made in 1975 by Bangladeshi Ambassador to Myanmar at that time Mr Viasier. 21
Rohingya people have been living in Myanmar from many centuries; however, successive Myanmar governments have refused to recognise them as citizens. According to an estimate by the United Nations, there are 1.3 stateless Rohingya Muslims live in Rakhine State and they are facing oppressions, discrimination and facing restrictions on their movement. Reference: News Watch 28-1-2017 Figure 12 : Historian denied the existence of Rohingya ethnic on special talk of the Nation State of Nationalities. 25. No inquiry on killings of Muslims in Rakhine The state own media reported that ordinary people were kidnapped and killed in Rakhine State during recent weeks, but there has been no investigation into these incidents of killings. The state media reported that Rohingya people who are serving as village administrator and those who are seen as close to the government were killed by terrorists in the aftermath of 9 October attack on the outposts of Myanmar security forces. A state-own Myanma Alin newspaper reported that during 9 October 2016 to 1 February 2017, 13 innocent Rohingya people were killed and eight were missing. But there has been no arrest so far in connection with the killings. A statement issued by the State Counsellor Office on 19 December said 575 Rohingya people were arrested since 9 October attacks and nine died in custody. Reference: Myanmar Alin 2 February 2017 22
Figure 13 : MOI, State Media report up to 13 Rohingya were kidnapped and killed in Rakhine aftermath October 9 attack. 26. Two Rohingya jailed on human trafficking charges The Tarmwe Township court has sentenced two Rohingya people to three years rigorous imprisonment after they were found guilty on human trafficking charges. The court declared their co accused, who is avoiding the arrest as declared as absconder. The convicted pair, Marsetee a.k. a Hla Thein and Sali Ahmed a.k.a Ali Ahamed were arrested in Kyauk Taw last October and they were charged by Tarmwe court on 28 December and the sentence was passed after they admitted of committing the crime. They were charged under section 26 of Foreigners Labour Law. Their co accused Maung Kyaw a.k.a Yakhine Thar is still avoiding the arrest. They were arrested after five Rohingya people they trafficked to Yangon were found at an apartment in Ahyone Kone ward in Tamwe. The police also arrest and charge the five people. According to the police record, they were trafficked to Yangon at a cost of Kyat 1.5 million each person and they were planned to be sent to Malaysia as migrant labourer. The five people were sentenced to two years imprisonment after they were charged under the section 6 (3) of the Registration of Foreigners in Burma Act. Reference: Eleven 1-1-2017 23
27. Ultra nationalist conduct trainings for followers A training on promoting nationalist ideas was organised by ultra nationalist monk U Wirathu and his colleagues Maung Thway Chun and Nay Myo Wai was conducted in Dawei in Taninthayi Region during 19 to 23 January. U Wirathu worked as the chief trainer at the training on the Capacity Building on Missionary Work and May Bone Monk U Kawthalaka gave lecture on Geo politic and on Islamization by Nay Myo Wai and a former MP Khaing Waine Kyi gave lecture on parliamentary politic subject. Other trainers gave lectures on race and religion laws and online media. Maung Thawy Chun said the lectures included on how Islamic terrorists came into Myanmar along Rohingya people from many different routes as well as on the Burma Citizenship Act of 1982 and on activities of Muslims in outside world. About 400 people including monks and nuns from 10 townships in Taninthayi Region joined the training, which was held at the Yin Ma Nge Mahasi School in Dawei. The monk from Yin Ma Nge was the one who invented 969 symbols and later Hna Phat Hla U Kyaw Lwin has published 969 letter. The 969 movement was started in 2012 in Mawlamyine and it has spread across the country. Reference: Aung Zay Yatu Journal No 160 page 14 and 15 Figure 14 : A nationalist and anti-muslim sentiment promoter Nay Myo Wai speech about Islamization 24
28. Muslim man arrested for excavating out old pagoda A Muslim man was arrested in a village in Ayeyarwady Region in connection with dispute between a Christian man and local Buddhist over excavating an old pagoda. The man U Aye Win a.k.a U Pau was in Seittha village in Kangyi Daunt Township while dispute over excavating of an old pagoda by a local villager U Hay Bae Lay, who is a Christian. A fellow villager U Ah Khin lodged a police complaint against U Hay Bae Lay alleging that he along with four people were excavating old pagoda in his farmland. A local resident U Min Thet said U Aye Win, originally from Yangon was in the village to sell fragrance and some items use by Muslims, and he was arrested at the excavation site, which is about five miles from Kangyi Ddaunt Police station. He was arrested by police from Pagan Su and Daut Gyi police stations, who were in plain clothes. The excavation work started 7 days ago, U Min Thet said. He said the three other people are still avoiding arrest. Among them is Shaw Pati from Thapyay Kwin village. However, identity of the other two are still unknown. A former staff member of the land registration department of Kyaungkone said the land is registered as free hold land and the village has majority Christian population and there were no pagoda in the village. He said there are only homes, churches and schools in the village. The accused is charged under the section 295 A of criminal penal code and he will be produced in the court for the second time on 17 February. The case is registered with Kyaung Kone police with the registration number (Pa) 1/2017. A residence of a nearby Lay Ein village said similar group of people came to his village to do excavation of treasure chest but since the villagers do not like strangers coming into the village they refused to give permission. Figure 15 : In F.I.R report, a villager complaint and alleging against U Aye Win excavating old pagoda in his farmland 25
U Wirathu s activities and travel record for January, 2017 Figure 16 : 1 st January, 2017 Preaching about Ma Ba Tha at Ku Kaung village, Watt Latt township, Sagaing region Figure 17 : 3 rd January, 2017 Annual celebration of Shan Kyaung Dhamma School at Amat Gyi Khone village, Ye Tar Shay Tsp, Bago region. 26
Figure 18 : 4 th January, 2017 Preaching special for Independent Day at Latt Pan village, Nga Zon Tps, Myin Chan, Mandalay. Figure 19 : 5 th January, 2017 Preaching about MaBhaTha at Tain Kyar Min Khaung Street, 7 Quarter, Eastern New Dagon Tsp, Yangon. 27
Figure 20 : 8 th January, 2017 Preaching to Dhamma School Students at Taike Thit Monastery, Phya Pon Tsp, Ayeyarwaddy. Figure 21 : 12 th January, 2017 Preaching about Anti-Muslim at Min Kan village, Sin Paung Well Tsp, Magwe region. 28
Figure 22 : 19 th January, 2017 Training on Nationalist Advance Ideas at Myot Ma Yin Ngay Monastery, Dawai Tsp, Tanintharyi. Figure 23 : 26 th January, 2017 Attending to contribute who pass Religious Exam at Dhamma Dara Warso Monastery, Than Hlyat Maw, Chan Mya Tharsi Tsp, Mandalay. 29
Figure 24 : 29 th January, 2017 Preaching and Fund raising for Mahaw Thada Nationalist School at Watt Si Main Monastery, Mahar Chai, Thailand. Figure 25 : 31 st January, 2017 Attending for Yangon MaBaTha Monthly Meeting at Nikal Monastery, South Dagon Tsp, Yangon. 30
No. Date Location Activities 1. 1 st January, 2017 2. 3 rd January, 2017 3. 4 th January, 2017 4. 5 th January, 2017 5. 8 th January, 2017 6. 12 th January, 2017 7. 19 th January, 2017 8. 26 th January, 2017 9. 29 th January, 2017 10. 31 st January, 2017 Ku Kaung village, Watt Latt township, Sagaing region Amat Gyi Khone village, Ye Tar Shay Tsp, Bago region Latt Pan village, Nga Zon Tps, Myin Chan, Mandalay Tain Kyar Min Khaung Street, 7 Quarter, Eastern New Dagon Tsp, Yangon Taike Thit Monastery, Phya Pon Tsp, Ayeyarwaddy Min Kan village, Sin Paung Well Tsp, Magwe region. Myot Ma Yin Ngay Monastery, Dawai Tsp, Tanintharyi Dhamma Dara Warso Monastery, Than Hlyat Maw, Chan Mya Tharsi Tsp, Mandalay Watt Si Main Monastery, Mahar Chai, Thailand Nikal Monastery, South Dagon Tsp, Yangon Preaching about Ma Ba Tha Annual celebration of Shan Kyaung Dhamma School Preaching special for Independent Day Preaching about MaBhaTha Preaching to Dhamma School Students Preaching about Anti- Muslim Training on Nationalist Advance Ideas Attending to contribute who pass Religious Exam Preaching and Fund raising for Mahaw Thada Nationalist School Attending for Yangon MaBaTha Monthly Meeting Myanmar National Network (MNN)' Anti-Muslim & Anti-NLD Movement (January, 2017) Figure 26 : 3 th January, 2017 Court hearing case for protest against Rohingya at Shwedagon Pagoda at Court of Bahan Tsp, Yangon 31
Figure 27 : 5 th January, 2017 Court hearing case for protest against Rohingya in front of US Embassy at Court of Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Figure 28 : 20 th January, 2017 Press conference for attempted to sized Bingala U Tharthana Monastery case at Bingala U Tharthana Monastery, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. 32
Figure 29 : 23 th January, 2017 Meeting with Senior Monk about opposition of Prophet Day events at Yangon Sanga Naryaka office, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Figure 30 : 29 th January, 2017 Training for Nationalist Awareness Class at Hita Dara Mahar Vihara Monastery, Kyunkalay village, Hlegu Tsp, Yangon. 33