‘Political Opportunists’ and ‘Religious Extremists’ Behind Riots: Thein Sein

ByTHE IRRAWADDY| March 28, 2013 |

Burma’s President Thein held a televised address to the nation on Thursday, in which he warned he would not hesitate to use force to end ongoing anti-Muslim riots.

RANGOON—President Thein Sein blamed the ongoing anti-Muslim riots that have rocked central Burma on “political opportunists and religious extremists” on Thursday, and warned that he “will not hesitate to use force” to quell the unrest.
In a 10-minute address broadcast on state-run television at 6 pm Thursday, Thein Sein said he would decisively deal with the mob violence that has affected Muslim neighborhoods in at least 11 townships in Mandalay and Pegu divisions.
“In general, I do not endorse the use of force to solve problems. However, I will not hesitate to use force as a last resort to protect the lives and safeguard the property of general public,” he warned.
The violence erupted on March 20 in Meikhtila Township, where 12,000 residents were displaced and 40 people were killed. It first appeared that Buddhist and Muslim communities had clashed, but the President said outside “instigators” were responsible for the communal violence.
“I would like to warn all political opportunists and religious extremists who try to exploit the noble teachings of these religions and have tried to plant hatred among people of different faiths for their own self-interest: their efforts will not be tolerated,” the president said.
“We will take all necessary and effective action to stop their operations in accordance with our Constitution and our existing laws. All perpetrators of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the 67-year-old reformist leader said.
“My fellow citizens, I want to urge you to cooperate with each other on the basis of compassion, tolerance, open-mindedness and empathy,” he said, adding that security forces should “perform their duties decisively, bravely and within the constraints of the Constitution and by-laws.”
Like the president, Burmese activists and Muslim leaders have said that the violence appears to be orchestrated. Some have speculated that hardliners within the military and the ruling Union, Solidarity and Development party were behind the unrest, in an attempt to derail Thein Sein’s reform agenda.
Since taking office in April 2011, the president has pushed through a raft of political and socio-economic reforms, including the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He has publicly committed himself to transforming Burma from an isolated military regime to a rights-respecting democracy.
His government’s actions in dealing with the communal violence so far have however, been widely criticized.
On Thursday, respected activist group the 88 Generation Students said the government security forces’ performance in the face of the escalating anti-Muslim riots had been apathetic.
“The way we see it, they are just standing around and watching the riot situation calmly as if they are not able to do anything,” said Ko Ko Gyi, one the group’s leaders. “It is not a matter of the strength of the police force… the main factor is their protective ability and authority.”
Min Ko Naing, another 88 leader, said he also believed that outside forces were inciting much of the communal violence that has affected central Burma.
“I have a strong suspicion that these violent situations were caused intentionally by highly trained persons,” he said at a press conference in Rangoon on Thursday. “We are so concerned about public security and the fledgling democracy of our country, and we must protect it firmly,” Min Ko Naing added.
The group said the government “has full responsibility to protect the public from occurring violence situations and to give help to the victims during their rehabilitation.”
Also on Thursday, leaders of Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Christian groups in Burma met at Rangoon’s YMCA building to make a joint public appeal for an end to the ongoing violence.
The event, which was attended by dozens of youth community activists and representatives of the religious groups, included a prayer ceremony for peace and harmony between Burma’s different communities.
In a speech, Buddhist monk Kolnyanna, from Rangoon’s Mingun Tawya Monastery, said, “We need to have a compassion for each other. “All religions should live in peace in this country.”
Haj. Aye Lwin, the chief convener of the Islamic Center of Myanmar, said the anti-Muslim attacks were being organized in order to undermine Thein Sein’s government. “The rioters are trying to derail the democratic reform process taking place presently in Burma,” he said.

President’s speech in full (official translation):

“My fellow citizens,

“I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you the circumstances giving rise to the recent riots in Meiktila and the attempts of a small number of people to cause the spread of rioting to other parts of the country. I am deeply saddened to find out that a simple private dispute led to a deadly riot and that some unruly instigators, taking advantage of the disingenuousness of the public, tried to spread the riots to other parts of the country. I will like to reflect my government's position on these riots.

“In general, I do not endorse the use of force to solve problems. However, I will not hesitate to use force as a last resort to protect the lives and safeguard the property of general public.

“Individual freedom, which we consider to be the fundamental ingredient of democracy, is the kind of freedom that does not infringe on the civil liberties of others. Our Constitution guarantees the right of all citizens to worship freely any religion they choose. I would like to warn all political opportunists and religious extremists who exploit the noble teachings of these religions and tried to plant hatred among people of different faiths for their own self-interest. We will take all necessary and effective action to stop their operations in accordance with our Constitution and our existing laws.

“We must expect these conflicts and difficulties to arise during our period of democratic transition. With a united effort, we must face and overcome these challenges together. As we rebuild our society, we must rise above sixty years of historical bitterness, confrontational approaches, and a zero-sum attitude in solving our differences. I want to call on all citizens to rise above these previous erroneous methods, unite our different strengths, and chart a path towards consensus building and democratic deliberation to solve the challenges faced in this transition.

“We have already seen a different approach in this Meiktila incident. To rebuild mutual understanding and trust in the community, it is important to bring together civil society participation, leadership from various religious communities, assistance from international organizations, and responsible reporting from the media. In addition, the tatmadaw [Myanmar armed forces] has also played a meaningful role in safeguarding property and the rehabilitation of victims.

“I am proud to see a concerted effort from civil society organizations, leaders of communities, governmental agencies and security forces to prevent the spread of conflict to other cities and towns. This indicates that citizens from different ethnic and religious groups have worked together to create a civilized society and a proud nation that is based on mutual respect and understanding.

“We did not resort to the use of force immediately mainly because we do not want to let anything happen to our ongoing democratic transition and reform efforts. That said, I am firmly committed to use the power to deploy the security forces vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws to prevent and protect life, liberty and security of my fellow citizens. My fellow citizens, I want to urge you to cooperate with each other on the basis of compassion, tolerance, open-mindedness, and empathy.

“As a nation, it is our firm belief that an inclusive democratic society based on equality for all citizens will ensure peace and stability, especially in our country made up of various ethnic nationalities, religious beliefs, and cultures. Despite our differences, we must find a common ground to coexist peacefully while upholding our democratic ideals. It is my firm belief that we will be able to overcome both our immediate and future challenges if we can embrace our differences and stand united in face of adversity as one people. However, some irresponsible individuals have spread rumors that could incite riots, causing fear among the general public who only wish to live peacefully. I am also very pleased to see local authorities, community and religious leaders coming together to form riot-prevention committees to protect the people

“I would like to make a commitment to the people of Myanmar. In this time of change towards an open society, my government will share information in a truthful and transparent manner. I would also like to request a commitment from you in return. As citizens of this country, we must also distinguish facts from fiction and overcome the dangers posed by rumors in a wise and open-minded manner. If we can keep our commitments, we can overcome these challenges while building a harmonious society that safeguards human dignity.”