Get the story straight

In response to Syed Munir Khasru’s Sept 19 article, ‘‘The tragedy of Aung San Suu Kyi”, I would like to point out some of the incorrect facts.

People of Myanmar do not recognise the ‘‘Rohingya’’ as an ethnic group. Even British colonial records did not mention ‘‘Rohingya’’ in their classifications.

The government of Myanmar has already expressed its concern over the displacement and suffering of all communities affected by the terror attacks committed by the extremist group of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

We need to be aware that the current eruption of violence was the result of attacks committed by the ARSA. They have attacked not only security forces but also innocent native people. This should be condemned explicitly and cannot be excused for any reason.

In this respect, the government has the right to defend itself. However, it is exercising restraint in the use of force in order to avoid collateral damage and not to harm innocent civilians.

The ultimate aim of the ARSA’s attack is to impose fear on local people, and to widen already divided communities and to claim separate territory in northern Rakhine state. The government is making efforts to restore stability and to provide humanitarian assistance to all affected people in that area.

Lastly, I would like to point out that this conflict is not about religion. Myanmar is not against Islam. It is responding to terrorist attacks which are threatening our territorial integrity and national sovereignty. CHAN AYE Embassy of Myanmar