In Myanmar ethnic groups clashed with the security forces of the country
In "Rakhine" in Myanmar, the situation in the field of security leaves much to be desired. At least 69 people were killed during the latest spate of violence in the state where Muslims live.
"The problem is the Burma army, there are really lousy when it comes to civilians," says Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of the division of Human Rights Watch for Asia. "Shoot first, ask questions later."
Robertson notes that he had heard about cases of arbitrary arrests, torture, marauding Burmese soldiers and reports of extrajudicial executions. The government has announced hundreds of arrests of suspected attackers and terrorists last week.
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, who is Chairman of the Advisory Commission on "Rakhine" made a statement in which he expressed concern about recent violence in the North state "Rakhine" which "plunges the state into renewed instability and create a new movement."
The US state Department also said that following the outbreak of violence in the state "Rakhine". In the village of "Maungtaw" the attackers were accused of setting fire to the houses. There were reports that government troops were responsible for the destruction, which the military denied.
The state Department said that US Ambassador to Burma, Scot Marcel, recently visited the state "Rakhine". He said that the delegation stressed the need for countries to investigate the claims "with the aim of increasing transparency and exchange of information".
"Rakhine" is home to a large population of Muslims, a stateless ethnic minority who face discrimination and persecution for many years. Some say they believe that the persecution is genocide.
The latest round of violence started last month when more than a dozen soldiers and policemen have been killed after troops in the city "Maungtaw" was attacked. The attackers were not identified by the government of Myanmar, but the United Nations said that the "ethnic armed organizations" faced with the security forces of the country. The Myanmar government said that air force helicopters opened fire on the attackers in the state "Rakhine" on Sunday after two soldiers were killed in the clashes.
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