Report on the conditions and sufferings of the Rakhaings in Maungdaw

Rakhine Security Association, Maungdaw

12/28/2008

(Published by: Rakhine Security Association, Maungdaw, Rakhine State. dated 9th October 1988- in Burmese
language.)
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Background
During the time of British rule, the first chance for governing Maungdaw was given to Maung
Nyo, grandson of a Rakhaing king. He happened to join in the force as Jamadar (equivalent to
the rank of a Captain) during the year 1825-26 till the period of signing Randabo agreement. He
had to rule a portion of the area on the western side of Naf River. From his grandfather, in
recognition of his activities in the war, he was also given the rule of big area on the eastern side
of the Naf River.
A number of Bengalis from Chittagong were found setting in the western coast of the Naf River.
Before the time of U Maung Nyo, there were guards only and all the area were inhabited by
Rakhaings (Buddhists) who had built Buddhist religious temples and pagodas there. Then, on the
December 4, 1853, Jamader Aung Phroo, son of U Maung Nyo, was appointed chief of the area.
He could manage to pay taxes of Rs. 71,953 to the British Govt. and was given much honour for
it. He could collect taxes from the Bengali-dwellers of the area. According to historians,
Chittagonian Bengali villages were found to be established during the year 1853.
1. Muslims of Maungdaw are illegal intruders from Chittagong and from other sides.
2. Muslims are given preference, to their religion.
3. Attempt for getting separate area.
4. Statement falsely made in the history.
5. Statements on urgent demands
6. Conclusion
1. Muslims of Maungdaw are illegal intruders from Chittagong and from other sides.
(a) They came as labours (coolie) to work.
In the year 1856, Swiss Canal was open. In order to increase the production of paddy on the land,
the Govt. encouraged the local Rakhaings to work side by side with foreigners to make the land
cultivable without any taxes for a period of 3 years. The production increased from 1000 to 3000
tons. In order to increase the production of paddy, the authority of the East India Company
needed a huge number of labourers (coolies) from Chittagong area as cheap labour.
In the year 1880, Bengalis came as seasonal labours. And they would return to Chittagong when
the harvest was over. But, some landowners of the area kept them permanently even after the
completion of the gardening, growing of crops like chilly, onion, mustard seeds, peas, beans etc.
In this way, they could settle in Maungdaw area permanently.
As reported in the Directorate of Health, 1930-31, 40,000 labours from Chittagong area came in
Maungdaw annually for working in the area.
(b) They entered as labourers for road construction.
During the last part of 1850, a large number of Bengali Muslims came to Butheedaung through
Maungdaw in various groups. The local Rakhaings had to watch their movements by turns for
the security of their lives and properties. Such movements were known to be like marching of
Bengali soldiers, as told by old people from Maungdaw and Butheedaung. Seeing the importance
of the roads, the authority of the East India Company also constructed a railroad from Maungdaw
to Buthidaung. In these works the Chittagonian Bengali were engaged as labourers during the
year 1916 to 1918. Hence they began to settle here permanently.
(c) Intrusion of Chittagonian Bengali during the time of communal riots during 2nd World
War.
During the year 1942, while there was strong administration, communal riots took place between
Muslims and Rakhaings. In these riots, Rakhaings suffered much and their belongings, Buddhist
temples, pagodas and houses were snatched away by the Muslims in their absence. Most of the
villagers of northern and southern sides of Maungdaw were killed by them. Their villages were
converted into Muslim villages and religious temples were turned into mosques and madrashas.
The villagers had to flee to safer places. Survivors had to take shelter in the Rakhaing villages of
Kyauktaw Township. Some of the Rakhaings were brutally killed while they were fleeing away.
A small number of Rakhaings saved their lives as they crossed the Naf River. They were sent to
Dinapur by the British Govt. for their safety. Thus Muslims became owners of their deserted
lands, buildings and other properties. In Maungdaw, a "Peace Committee" was formed under the
leadership of a N.A.B.L. Muslim. Later the said Peace Committee converted into a religious
party known as "Jamiatul Uloom Association" when Japanese forces reached Maungdaw and
the true history of the area was changed completely showing the area in the hands of their
Muslims ancestors since immemorial times. This was falsely in the history of the area, in the
absence of the Rakhaings.
Real facts will be revealed if impartial research is made on ancient religious monuments,
inscriptions etc. by any archaeologist. The Muslims changed the real facts as they were very
powerful at that time and no one could raise objection against such activities. In many years
everything could disappear. So, all the real facts should be known by the Rakhaing people.
(d) Intrusion of Bengali during democracy period.
More than 5,000 Rakhaings who had been relocated to Dinajpur by British Govt. during the riots
in 1942, returned to their homeland in the month of December 1945. But, they could not
reintegrate their original places due to illegal occupation of their land by the Muslims. So they
were compelled to leave Maungdaw. Some of their villages at the northern side of Maungdaw
could be rehabilitated, but they could not return to the villages at the southern side of the town
because their lands were taken by the Muslims during their absence. Moreover, in 1949, when
the Mujahid Revolution started, the Muslims made a 10-year plan to annihilate the Rakhaings
completely from these places. In cooperation with Jameatul Ulum Party, they drove out all the
Rakhaings from their hearths and homes and Rakhaings were not allowed to re-establish their
villages in their original places. So, they were compelled to take shelter in the inner part of
Rakhaing State for their security.
In the year 1960 (on July 4) Meyu District came into existence with Maungdaw, Butheedaung
and Ratheedaung where all possible preferences were given to Muslims by the AFPFL Govt. for
getting votes from the Bengali Muslim voters. All rights and privileges were given to them as
other Burmese nationals. All of them were provided with NRCs (National Registration Cards).
Between 1960 and 1974, only Muslim candidates could be elected as MPs. from Maungdaw
constituency and they could easily be registered as Burmese citizens. Thus the AFPFL
government got sufficient funds from the Bengali Muslims and their population increased to
20,000. Their MPs were U Khin Maung Let (Abdul latif) and U Rashid. U Khin Maung Let was
one of the members of Dept. of justice and he could do and undo anything in respects of
immigration purposes. Both of them were most powerful and influential.
(e) Intrusion of Chittagonian Muslims under "Hain Tha Plan"
Hain Tha operation started on 5.5.78 Muslims of various places of Rakhaing State did not dare to
face it and persons without any NRC or FRC. Residing Rakhaing state began to flee away group
by group, as they were not legal citizens of Rakhaing State. Later on, agreement between Burma
and Bangladesh was signed for accepting them again on the 1st August 1978 till January 5, 1979.
The Burmese Govt. had to accept 30,000 more Bengali than the number of persons who fled
away from Rakhaing State under this agreement. Persons, who fled away from Maungdaw and
could only say the name of their home village, were accepted, but most of them were original
Bangladeshi nationals. They are still suspected by Burmese Govt. They are failing to identify the
real citizen of the area till now. It is heavy burden to a state like Rakhaing. Lists of such persons
are shown below: -

Dist. of
No. of family No. of family
Maungdaw
Male Female Total
54,71
Outgoing 12,496 54,945 76,823
3
Incoming 17,674 109,667
It is revealed from the above-mentioned reasons that huge number of Bengali Muslims entered
from Chittagong area.
2. Muslims are given preference, to their religion.
It had been stated in their programme that, for the security of Islam as well as Holy book Quran
and Health that, the enemy of Islam need to be resisted. They will declare "Jihad" for fighting
against the enemy of Islam. All this was made by the Chittagonian Bengali Muslims of
Maungdaw township area.
A conference of 30 Islamic countries was held in Lahore of Pakistan on the 22nd February, 1947
where they decided to fight against the enemies of Islam and where a decision was made to
collect funds by way of forming an organization like Islamic Funds Organization (IFO) with a
view to build mosques in every corner of the villages everywhere in the world, which they
already started to implement. Branches of Olema Association were formed by the Bengali
Muslims of Rakhaing State and had began to -
a. From Organizations for managing the mosques.
b. Organize groups for political movement.
c. Give help and assistance to their people.
They started to give subscriptions regularly for funds especially for Muslims, who could convert
others to their religion with sufficient money, as well as those who could make harm to other
faith.
Leaflets in Urdu and Bengali are found to be distributed among the people of Bangladesh where
it is clearly stated that, your country is not sufficient in food where as your neighbouring country
Myanmar is rich in food grains and paddy. Heaps of paddy and food grains exist and the country
is full of tanks with water and beauties are regularly fetching water. You may easily go there for
collecting food grains, preaching Islam by marrying such beauties and do something for the
cause of your religion. In this way they are gradually spreading all over the world, their
population is increasing day by day and they begun to make claims for their separate homeland.
In this way, the only Islam can exist over the world forever; it is their only motto. Others will be
crushed for their greater interests.
Rich Muslim countries are helping people of similar aims and objects, if you have a house, then
you should have a mosque in your area and Arabic Language education be imparted of Muslim
students in government schools is very low, the number of students in their private run
madrashas is much in all those madrasas.
In the past, for the economic development of Muslims in Maungdaw under the instruction and
guidance of Jameyatul Olema Party, they have done much like Rohingya Liberation Party,
Mujahid Party, etc. came into existence. It is also found that they have procured huge stocks of
arms and ammunitions by the funds collected through the local people, foreigners, taxes from
lands (illegally collected) and madrasha in the year 1942. Beside these, ex-MP. Sultan Ahmad,
Daw Aye Nyunt, ex-O/o Abdul Khair did never make any work for the development and welfare
of the country. They have done only for the existence of Islam, preaching of Islam and bringing
of Chittagonian Bengali Muslims in. By heinous ways, they made the BDF to withdraw from the
place in 1955, who were looking after the peace and security of the Rakhaings of the area. It will
be revealed if necessary research is made.
Chittagonian Bengalis are doing only for the cause of their motherland, Bangladesh, taking away
the peace and prosperity of the local Rakhaing people. They are traitors of our nation. During the
year 1947 to 1950, Abul Khaiz (MP.) with his supporters and followers in body hoisted the
Pakistani flag, chanting "Pakistan-Zindabad" in processions on many occasions on the streets.
During the time of Nagaman Operation in 1978, they fled away leaving hearts and homes for
fear of facing the said operation. During the time of their fleeing away, bridges and Rakhaing
villages were destroyed by fire. They have no love for Myanmar. But, they have love and regards
for Bangladesh, taking it to be most powerful and strong in power. During their movement, they
would chant Pakistan Zindabab, Bangladesh Zindabad. They have no faith, respect and loyalty to
Myanmar. They are traitors, they are found to be great traitors of the nation. Beside, the Muslims
of Maungdaw and Butheedaung, were neither fighters of liberation war against the British nor
the Japanese. They attempted to kill Major U Kyaw Khaine, I.C.S. Deputy Commissioner of
Akyab in 1942 near Gukaprun village of Buthidaung. During the year 1942 Burmese
Independence Army marched from Rangoon to Akyab without any loss of life though they had to
fight against a number of enemy forces on the way, but one officer and 2 sepoys died while they
were given dinner by Mr. Ohn Mow, B.A.B.L. president of the peace committee in the mosque
near the high school of Kanyantan village.
Bo Ran Aung occupied Butheedaung and Maungdaw, in order to make disturbances stopped by
the Army of Bengali soldiers. A dinner was arranged by the Maungdaw administration authority
and, during the dinner, suddenly the Chittagonian Muslims attacked with guns they have already
stocked. Moreover in 1940, Mr. Tun Oo, S.D.O. Maungdaw was killed by Muslims at
Tharaikoon village. Such killings are still going on till now. After the independence in 1948,
Chittagonian Bengalis in the name of Mujaheeds tried to join various activities in cooperation
with the M.Ps of AFPFL. They have shown to be falsely doing various development activities in
nation building. They have also falsely shown to have come to Rakhaing state in 980 A.D. in the
name of Rohingya. Among them, Kassim, leader of the Mujaheed party, was most powerful at
the time and from the peak of Manglagree mountain range as reported by a Bengali sepoy of
Mujaheed Party, he later fled away with valuable gold and money to the country outside
Rakhaing state. All of his activities were encouraged by the Muslims and were headed by
himself. It was nothing by an attempt to kill the Rakhaing people of Maungdaw by a sudden
attack. The immigrants from Bangladesh were never loyal to the Burmese Govt. They are only
seeking opportunity to create troubles.
(3) Attempt for getting separate area.
At present weak nations are usually oppressed by the rich powerful and imperialist nations by
various ways. They would forcibly violate the law and encroach on the weak countries and
nations on various occasions. Afghanistan and Cambodia were suffered in these ways. Sweden
was attacked by Czechoslovakia. Germans forcibly entered and began to settle there at the
beginning of the war and tried to make the land to be their own by nazi Japan by declaring it.
In that way, the Chittagonian Bengalis are trying to-
i. To have recognition of Rohingya as a nation within Burma by changing the real history
of Rakhaing state.
ii. After becoming as a nation of the country, a Muslim state will be created with 90% of
Maungdaw, 80% of Butheedaung as per its geographical position and population
condition etc.
iii. After successful completion of above plans, with the help of outside, a separate state with
sovereign power will be established. Later, it will be made a confederation state with
Bangladesh.
In order to implement above plans, Bengali writers began to contribute features in dailies and
magazines since the year 1947 stating that they are the Rohingya nation with its own created
history. On 2nd April, 1960 in a peace conference, Mr. Abdus Guffur, MP expressed the following
statement. If the Rakhaing nation have autonomy under the Union of Burma as a separate state,
then we should also have a separate state in order to save ourselves from the oppressions or they
can't but to demand to create a separate district for them. If only a separate state is created for
Rakhaing, then we shall have no security of lives and properties under the Rakhaings. In respect
of land, a letter to the leaders of Govt. and leaders of democracy from the Muslim Conference
held at ALaethankyaw during the month of June, 1951 was found.
In this letter, it was noted that the population of Rakhaing is much higher and Muslims are less
numerous than Rakhaing in Rakhaing state. Muslims are much developed in respect of
economic, political and defense services since time immemorial. Their 14 points demand is also
found in English. Some of the important points are: -
i. Northern portion of Rakhaing state should be recognised as separate Muslim state like
Chin, Karen, Kayah under the Union of Burma, with its power for creating its defence
force.
ii. Akyab should be declared as southern part of Rakhaing State and Akyab part should be
divided equally between the Rakhaing and the Muslims. The mayor and the DVI.
Commissioner should be nominated from Muslims.
iii. A Muslim should be included in the cabinet.
 iv. Northern part of Rakhaing State be declared as a Muslim state and they should be given
equal rights and privileges as order.
v. In the army and civil service, sufficient number of Muslims be included.
vi. Assurance be given for getting rights and privileges in respect of cultural and political
activities.
vii. Establishment of primary schools and middle school for Muslims be allowed and
Muslims Council be constituted for trial of cases under the Muslim Law.
In these ways, they are demanding the area of Maungdaw and Butheedaung to be declared as a
Muslim state.
As per above reference, weekly News Magazine, Friday dd. 2.9.88 Chittagong "The Rohingya
Muslims are in Arakan can be divided into two states, one for Muslims and another for Mog and
the northern part should go to Muslims." Their demand is similar to the occupation of
Czechoslovakia by Germany.
(4) Statement falsely made in the history.
History can't be changed or altered. But, such alterations are found in the history. Heroes and
traitors are found side by side. Some of the literate Muslims of Rakhaing State are claiming
northern portion of the Rakhaing State to be a Muslim state. It was observed by the Govt. too.
According to them persons without the knowledge of Rakhaing history can be influenced. They
are trying to alter the history as much as they can to achieve their illegal claims. But, we like to
make some of the necessary statements as-
I, along with U San Tha Aung, a political leader of Butheedaung and Maungdaw observe in the
report Meyu: -
During the time of 17 decades, the Rakhaing Kings were most powerful and slavery business
was going on. Rakhaing would collect slaves from various places. So Rakhaing State was
dangerous place for the people of Bangladesh at that time. Rakhaings were in the habit of
catching slaves for sale and Bengalis were afraid of Rakhaings as Rakhas of monsters. It was
stated in the book "A land of Great Image, Page No.9", it was mentioned that, Dainga, a place of
Chittagong was the selling centre of slaves. They catch 3,400 slaves from Bengla annually.
During the month of February 1627, a total number of 1,800 slaves were caught from different
parts of Bengla.
In the book of Dr. Khin Maung Nyint, Portuguese, Page No. 145-150, it was stated that such
business of selling slaves was not only earning of money but also helpful to the political affairs
of the country. It was believed that once Mero (Portuguese) occupied Chittagong. So the catching
of slaves by the Portuguese were encouraged by the Rakhaing King with a view to decrease the
population of the area.
On the page No. 350 of Moris Corlice's "The Land of the Great Image" translated by U Hla Din,
"Ratana Shwe Mray" (Page No. 350), it was stated that Portuguese were engaged for guarding
the border against the war of Moros.
The Portuguese lived in Hughlee, by the bank of river Ganga. They would sell their caught
slaves at high prices then without sending them to Mrauk Oo. If the matter is observed, the
Bengali Muslims could not enter into Rakhaing State while it was a most powerful country. So,
these statements are nothing but false statements, same as Rohingya Muslims are aborigines in
Arakan. The word aborigine is the original people of land. This land had been possessed by the
Rakhaing Buddhists only. It is proved from the ancient monuments, images of lord Buddha,
inscriptions and other sculptures discovered from the lands of Rakhaing state.
Nothing had been so far found in support of their statements among all these discovered ancient
monuments, inscriptions etc. as yet. But they are trying to show that this country had been ruled
by their 24 kings from the time of Mong Saw Mwan up to Mrauk Oo era one after another.
It had been stated in the Rohingya R-Daak (Quarterly) Vol.2, page No. 5: - "As many as 48 kings
successfully ruled in Mrauk Oo who with the exception of 2 were directly of lineage at king
Solaiman Shah (Saumen) the founder of the Muslim dynasty of Mrauk Oo as many as 19 kings
of last dynasty having Muslims names with conventional Magh (Buddhist) names which goes to
prove irreparably, that this dynasty arose from those of the Muslims with utter matter lineal
interruptions due to intercede chaos. It has been found that the Rakhaing history has been altered
and changed and real happenings were omitted from the real history. If the Rakhaing kingdom
was ruled by 48 Muslims kings from the period of Mong Saw Mwan, then it will be quite
impossible to sell Bengali slaves in the western countries in cooperation with Portuguese. But, as
per above mentioned statements the kings after king Mong Saw Mwan could sell similar slaves
in a greater extent at the times of their ruling of the country. A nation cannot sell their own men
as slaves. Moreover nobody will dare to come to any places when they will be caught for selling
them as slaves. Though the 48 successors of King Mong Saw Mwan were said to be Muslims,
the discovered monuments are found to be belonging to the Buddhists. Nothing had been found
in support of their statements in all those discovered ancient monuments and inscriptions. Briefly
speaking, Ran Aung Zeya Shrine was constructed by the King Mong Ba Gree in the year of 1536
AD. To commemorate the conquest of the Portuguese forces. All the people of the country
professed Buddhism as their religion. It was not possible to be a Muslim king after the dynasty of
King Mong Saw Mwan, as also mentioned in the Rakhaing Tansong of Rangoon University
under the title of Dynasty of Mrauk Oo by Maung Aye Shan. Nirolo de Gonti's also remarked in
his report during the time of ascending of Arakan by King Mong Saw Mwan, there was
arrangement for the Rakhaing forces to march to attack Ramoo. If the fact were so, the
successors of that king would not be a Muslim at all. There were no necessities of such attack by
the Rakhaing kings. Again, during the time of king Ba Saw Phru (Kalim Shah), 1,400 Rakhaings
occupied up to Chittagong coast. Moreover, during the time of King Mong Ba Gree, they
occupied up to Dacca and it was known that they had to accept the Muslims title given by the
Muslims of the area in honour of their acceptance as rulers. During the time of coronation of
king (1622-1638) Thiri Thudhamma Raza had been made according to the rules of Buddhist
kings and a Maha Kyeen Buddha statue was build and an oath had been sworn on the condition
to rule over the country according to the established law of the Buddhist country, it has been
learnt. But no such conditions were seen in the name of Islam.
The kings of the Rakhaing country were learnt to have made much for the security of the towns
of Bengal, occupied by the Rakhaings at that time. Especially arrangements were made for
peaceful running of businesses between Bengal and Rakhaing Kingdom. It was also learnt from
the report of Portuguese Mannara; travelers had to use permission from the Rakhaing king to go
out from one place to another between Bengal and Arakan. Though a small number of
businessmen, who were regularly paying taxes to the Rakhaing kings including a small number
of Bengali slaves, some Muslims from Chittagong were learnt to have settled in Rakhaing
kingdom. As per Rakhaing Tanzong of Rangoon University, an article "Problems of western
country, by Maung Aye Shan, 1977-78". If the Bengalis were recognised to be citizens of the
country, then they would have been noted as foreigners. But such statements were not available
anywhere. Besides, in the Guardian, Vol. 1. No. 5, an article of Ba Saw, B.A., B.L., B.Ed., as
herewith ref. Rohingya history.
i. Early Muslim from Arabia and India entered Arakan firstly through its coastal parts and
secondly through its mountain passes and found Arakan a suitable land for many
purposes.
ii. Mohammed Hamid who came from Arabia to Arakan in 680 AD. and later he and his
followers settled in Maungdaw township.
According to a good number of reports and accounts Maros king's governors entered in groups
into Arakan since the year 1660. But no mention of groups of Bengalis.
Moreover in a peace Conference held at Rangoon on the 21st April, 1960 M.P. Abdul Gaffur said
that Rohingya is a group of people, whose bloods are mixed with Arabs and local people. They
speak in a mixed language of Bengali, Urdu, Farsi and Arabic. These facts were also stated by
the Sittwe Maung Thu in Moris Carl's Rakhaing Hill Tracts (1960-61) Magazine. Rakhaing
Tazong Vol.II No. 9 stated in English as: -
"Arakan people in the civilization of the Bay and Mong Ben established Mrauk Oo with its
greatest temple and pagodas at the architecture of the term is neither Mohammedan nor
Buddhist. It is Hindu of 80 unique designs as alamat to constitute a particular style. In the same
time Maungdaw and Butheedaung are compared with Czechoslovakia and Sweden and also
wrote as; - "It is quite clear why Ba Tha and his comrades are trying to create these Chittagonian
settlers as an indigenous separate race. Attempts also had been made during the 2nd world war
when Muslims Butheedaung and Maungdaw area sealed with retreating British to create this area
as a part of Chittagong district. Certain Chittagonians have already started to turn this area into
their own just like a Sudeland of Czechoslovakia which at the beginning of the 2nd world war
became a part of Germany", has been mentioned.
According to the above statements it will be revealed that -non of the local people have ever
married with the 95% Bengali settlers of Maungdaw. It is a real fact in the history. Beside, 90%
of Bengalis do not know how to read and speak in Burmese and Rakhaing languages well. It is
strange that a new language has been created by mixing Bengali Burmese and Rakhaing
languages.
The word Rohingya is newly created by Bengalis. This was done by a group of so-called young
literate Muslims.
Whatever they may be, originality cannot be changed or erased. They introduced themselves to
be Bengalis. Thus it proved that they have come from Bengal.
They have been introducing the word "Arakan Muslim" since the year 1956. Similarly, Burma
Muslim. Though they are a group of mixed blood people, they are different from the original
Muslims of Arakan and they are a group of men permanently settling in Arakan. They are trying
to get facility and privileges equally with the Karen, as the Kaman Muslims have been getting
according to the citizenship Act. 1948 section 2 and 5. As prescribed for the Kaman Muslims of
Burma with their object, they named themselves as Rohingya, meaning of which is an inhabitant
of old place. Differences among them happened in the year 1961 in respect of recognising them
as Arakan Muslims or Rohingyas. According to Mr. Sultan Ahmed, ex-minister of health, Govt.
of union of Burma, Arakan Muslims are acceptable to get rights and privileges from the
government. The word Rohingya was accepted by the AFPFL Govt. for getting votes from the
intruded Bengali Chittagionian Muslims when the party AFPFL was divided into two groups. It
never existed before the division of the party AFPFL. Simply speaking, the magazine
"Rohingya" R-Dhaka vol. II, No. 2 page No. 11 mentioned that U Nu in his radio broadcasting
categorically recognised the Muslims especially those of Maungdaw and Butheedaung as
Rohingyas, similarly U Ba Shwe, also one of the celebrated history researchers of Burma, in his
mass meeting openly admitted the Muslims of Arakan, particularly those of the above to be an
indigenous race like Shans, Kachins, Karens, Mons, Shins and Kayah. These are well known to
the researchers and connected individuals.
In continuation to this in the same page, the then Burmese minister Brig. Sein Lwin in his above
quoted new citizenship law, 1981 returned the Rohingyas of Maungdaw and Butheedaung to be
Bengali descendants. U Sein Lwin and U Ne Win Govt. commented that they are descendants of
Chittagonian Bengalis only. They quoted it in Anachronistic Burmese policy, suspending their
acceptances. According to the report of the Muslims Conference, held at Alae Than Kyaw during
the month of June, 1951, charter of the constitutional demands of the Arakan Muslims 9 June,
1951 (Alaethandyaw) the word "Rohingya" was not used but the word Arakan Muslim was used.
The word was introduced in the year 1951. They are trying to be recognised as a separate race
within the country as they have illegally occupied the properties of the local national Buddhists
by various ways and seeking helps from various countries of the world misrepresenting the facts.
As per instances, weekly magazine Friday, Rohingya issue calls for early solution, the heading
stated that there are about 4.5 lakh Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh who are now eager to go
back to their homeland and anxiously awaiting for possible conciliation between the national
Democratic Front and Govt. of Burma which might ensure the citizenship rights of the ethnic
Muslims of Arakan.
About 4.5 lakh Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh side are awaiting to go back to their
motherland as stated. Such false statements made by them before the people of the world are
nothing but to enter more Bengalis to Arakan. It will be possible on their part to attain their
demands if the conciliation between the Govt. and NDF is possible.
Misrepresentation before the world will make harm to the real and actual nations of the country.
One of such events were that they attempted to kill all the Buddhists of Maungdaw town on 13-
5-1988. Taking opportunity of absence of the administration authority, about 10,000
Chittagonian Bengali Muslims assembled in the village of Kanyantan Roa raised their voices to
kill the Rakhaings if they don't embrace Islam etc. throughout the villages. More than 40,000
Chittagonian Bengali Muslims of east south and north sides of Maungdaw town were ready to
enter into the town in order to crush the Rakhaing Buddhists and their properties, armed with
deadly weapons. Telephone connection between the town and the administration H.Q. of
Maungdaw was cut off by them and more and more Muslims were approaching them from all
sides to join their heinous activities. Fortunately, due to the timely action of the local police in
collaboration with young people, the innocent people of the town were saved from the attack of
Chittagonian Bengali Muslims.
The people of the town were saved after firing about 100 rounds of blank fire and at last the
Chittagonian Muslims were dispersed and their heinous attempts foiled. Two Chittagonian
settlers were killed, some of the Buddhist houses were completely damaged and the signboard of
Buddhist temple of U Sendima, in Quarter No. 4 was damaged. If their attempt of 13-5-88 had
been successful, then 45,000 Chittagonian Bengali Muslims would have suddenly entered into
the town and occupied the dwellings and other properties of the Buddhists and it will be declared
as a part of Bangladesh. Moreover, a huge number of Bengali Muslims of nearby areas were
waiting to crush the smaller villages surrounding Maungdaw town in the night as soon as they
would see the flames from Maungdaw town, it was learnt later from some Chittagonian Bengali
Muslims. It was one of the greatest attempts of Bengali Muslims since the time of Muslim
Buddhist riots in 1942. Such information was not completely expressed by the administration
authority. But about 300 persons were detained in this case. Leading persons of their attempts
fled away for fear of action taken against them in this matter. But, no action could be taken
against 40,000 young Chittagonian Bengali Muslims aged 20, due to lack of necessary proofs.
Taking advantage of the situation, movements were demanding the release of Chittagonian
Bengali Muslims from detention and the authorities were compelled to release 240 Bengali
detainees from the jail. While the leaders of the Democratic Parties from Akyab were delivering
speech in a meeting held at the village Kanyantan Roa of Maungdaw, a rally under the leadership
of Bengali Muslim leader Dr. Tun Aung (Abdul Hoq) with huge number of Bengali Muslims on
13-5-88 demanding their rights and privileges took place. Moreover, in that meeting, Shwe
Maung of Akyab also said that the Muslims are Rohingya and they arrived in the country about
680 AD. And they are entitled to get equal rights and privileges as other citizens of the country.
The aims and objects of such talks were to live there along with Muslims side by side peacefully.
But, the Bengali Muslims wanted to get the privileges creating a new history of their own. It is
nothing but their illegal and heinous attempts and imaginations came out. On the 26-8-88 a rally
for democracy at Maungdaw, during decreased administrative power, a huge number of
Chittagonian Bengali Muslims coming from other sides were found. Having the highest number
of population, highest economic positions and highest number of administration authorities, they
will do and undo everything as they like, Maungdaw town will be declared as a town of
Bangladesh, frankly speaking. In the year 1961, Mr. Sultan, Minister of Health, gave a Mercedes
car to P.M U Nu to influence him in this matter. According to the history of Maungdaw, their
illegal entrance from outside and false statements, everything will be revealed easily.
Table of population in Maungdaw

Year Rakhaing Bengali Total Remark

1921 34,700 68,035 65,724

1931 41,484 104,408 136,087 Burma gazetteer
1956 5,808 124,452 165,936
(Akyab District
1973 11,908 187,792 198,600
of ACB)
1976 13,376 211,394 223, 302
1981 13,326 212,070 222,549
1986 19,139 249,571 263,899
Total 264,507 283,649
In respect of increasing of population, the rate of increase annually, 1st Feb 1960, the Pakistan
Gazette on action now plan system population. At present the rate of increase of its population is
2.17% only. According to the above table the rate of population increase in Maungdaw during
the year 1931 to 1941 (10 years) is 1.71% then upto 1956 (15 years) the rate became 3.455 in
Pakistan (now Bangladesh) the rate of increase of population was 2% to 3.43% thus annually
2,798 persons are entering illegally, then the other people of the area will disappear from the
place due to rapid increase of the Bengali Muslims in our country. According to the Gazette
Notification of the immigration department, 1947, during the census of 1947 up to June,
population of Maungdaw subdivision was 19,789 and was found increased. Besides, from 1947
to June, 1956, illegal Chittagonian Bengali intruders numbering 28,181 persons were found.
Report of U Hla Tun Rhroo, illegal intruders of West Country dt. 17-9-76 was mentioned. There
are 41,414 Buddhists in Maungdaw in 1941. But, during the time of Muslim-Buddhists riots in
1942, as a good number of Rakhaing Buddhists lost their lives as per census of 1956, the total
population of Rakhaing Buddhists was only 5,808. These were no race of Rohingya in the census
before. In the year 1983, the Bengali Muslims demanded to note them as "Rohingya" in place of
Bengali or Chittagonian Muslims in the column of nationality.
It had been found that after completion of census in some villages out of 102 villages, where they
were noted as Bengali, they demanded to use the word Rohingya in place of Chittagonian
Bengali in the census lists. It is revealed that the persons, who had entered into Arakan, will be
concealed their original identity of Bengali.
(5) Statements on urgent demands
(a) Action as per law of citizenship, 1982.
According to the above mentioned facts, Chittagonian Bengalis, who have been living in
Maungdaw and Butheedaung (Kula) started entering into our country since the year 1852. And it
revealed that they have been settled here for the last 180 years only. Observing the history of a
country, they should not have equal rights with the original people of the origin. So, the
foreigners Act, 1982 should be welcomed and accepted. In that law, every person coming from
outside will be treated as foreigner. As per Sec. 3 of that law, those who have been settling in any
part of the country before 1923 (ie. 1185 R.E.) along with Kachin, kayah, karen, Chin, Mon,
Shan, Rakhaing be treated as the national of the country. Accordingly this law should be
enforced strictly failing which, the country will surely be turned into a Muslim country without
any doubt. If we accept them, then they will suck our blood and our properties will be taken by
all those Chittagonian Bengalis (Kula). Moreover, in some occasions, all those Bengalis would
marry Burmese girls by way of introducing themselves as Rakhaing Buddhists of Arakan.
Moreover some of them using the Burmese wife occupied all the facility of business to earn
much money to build large mosques.
There is no Rakhaing-Muslim at all anywhere till now. The one who introduces himself as
Rakhaing Muslims is a Chittagonian Muslim only, and it is nothing but getting equal rights and
privileges only. During the time of Democracy Parliament, these Bengali were not accepted as
"Rohingya" as per the law. During that time, as there were huge number of Muslims as high
ranking officers, they tried to do anything to influence the other high ranking officials, but
without any success as the law of the country did not permit to do so. Then there were 2 Muslim
ministers in the cabinet namely U Khin Maung Let (Abdul Khair), Minister of Religious Affairs
and U Rashid, Minister of Industry. U Khin Maung Let could arrange to issue NRCs to the
Chittagonian Bengali Muslims as he was a most powerful minister of the cabinet. So, the Muslim
lawyers of Rakhaing State in cooperation with the said minister could make the illegally entered
Chittagonian Bengali Muslims as a national of the country. He could issue innumerable NRCs to
the illegally entered Chittagonian Bengali Muslims. In 1958, checking and detecting illegal
immigrants was suspended because they could get a receipt 1 Kyat from AFPFL with signature
of U Khin Maung Let. The officers who managed to detect such persons were immediately
transferred to other places without any other fault. Moreover, the Muslim companies were easily
allowed to import their requirements from abroad without any difficulty. Moreover, the said
minister collected lakhs of Kyats from the rich Muslim merchants of Rangoon, Moulmein,
Mandalay, Bassein etc. for their election campaigns. As they are not the real citizens of the state,
they have no right to have nomination or be elected as per section 155 of the concerning law of
the country.
Briefly speaking, under the law of 1982, such Bengali from Chittagong who arrived from the
western side of Rakhaing State, were foreigners. It was possible to identify correctly as
foreigners those residing in this town, Butheedaung, Ratheedaung, Akyab, Pouktaw, Mongbra. S,
during identification in the year 1979 under the plan, a number of 109,667 Khawtaw Kula
(Chittagonian Bengalis) were properly identified to be non nationals by the government and
internationally.
(b) Rights under other section of laws.
None of the Chittagonian Bengali were well-wishers and were loyal to the country, but they were
demanding separate Muslim area with the help of outsides. So, if they were given such facility,
they would for sure join with Bangladesh and Malaysia as per their great plans.
In order to convert Burma and Thailand into Muslim countries in the near future, which are
required to be resisted under-
1. Identifying the real citizen of the country.
2. Foreigners should be identified properly and they should hold their FRCs with them.
3. Each citizen of the country should be given traveling facilities throughout the country as
per law of foreigners Act, 1868.
4. Existing encroached constructions should be removed after necessary action under proper
law.
5. To fix regulations for the quantity of properties by the foreigners can hold individually.
6. To give preference to higher education as well as to employment according to the needs.
7. To frame laws to authorize construction of Mosques and Madrasha.
8. Observation of marriage law, polygamy i.e. taking of single wife to a person.
9. To manage under proper rules and laws for peaceful existence.
10. Administration of Maungdaw and Butheedaung as a separate subdivision or district.
Above mentioned rules should be enforced. Every facility and privilege have been given to them
without making any difference between a citizen and a foreigner in the past, though they have
violated most of the above mentioned rules. In enjoying the rights and privileges of democracy,
persons who are not actual citizen or national should not be given such facility equally. In
Australia, in order to live peacefully with neighbouring countries, to be accepted, foreigners are
to abide by the laws as stated by Mr. Alexendor, Minister of Immigration and Passports. In
accepting foreigners in Singapore, only well-educated Malaysians were accepted. So, the
Chittagonian Bengali (C-Kula) should be identified as: -
1. Guest citizens (i.e. temporary citizen or foreigner).
2. Guest citizen/person applying for citizenship/ Citizen etc. separately. After that they
should be given their entitled rights as fixed by the proper authority. Then, they should be
given chance to take part in election, if the circumstances allow.
3. Failing to identify in such manner, the election of Maungdaw-Butheedaung should be
postponed after completion of the work of identification etc.
 Conclusion
As per above-mentioned demands, as per the existing position, sufferings of the Rakhaings are
prevailing to a great extent. If these problems are not solved, then the western gateway of
Maungdaw and its Rakhaing population will go under the occupation of western people, i.e.
Chittagonian Bengali-Muslims. Moreover they will march ahead upto central Burma gradually,
no doubt. In future, the existence of Maungdaw and Butheedaung, the northern portion of
Rakhaing state, as a part of Union of Burma is imperative. Watchful eyes should be kept on their
activities in respect of their imperialism, politics, religious affairs, etc, so that we save ourselves
from their heinous activities like oppressions, attacks etc. In these works, everybody should be
given necessary co-operation and assistance as much as possible for the cause of our nation and
country as well.
Translated from Burmese by
U. T. Sein
Associate B. Green
Ref:
1. 1981 History of Maungdaw.
2. ill Rangees of Naf River By U Sakkinda
3. Island of Naf River (Manuscript).
Opinion of the member of British Commission for administration, historian and Researcher, how
Chittagonian lobourers entered into Rakhaing State.
"R.B.Sonant M. "Akyab District", Page No. 87.
The mahamadans Kho. in ref. No. 88255 by the year 194 Disen to 178647
Many men who came dawn for the work seasonally from Chittagong and included in the lense
and returns but are not zeropesly speaking inhabitants of the country were stated in the page. It
has been noted as remarks.