Breaking News Rohingya Historic National Jame-Mosque in Sittwe (Akyab) Now Burning

Attack on religious building was reported via telephone.

This photo taken on July 15, 2006 shows the Mosque under attack by Buddhists.

(WASHINGTON DC) - (Foreword by editor: Earlier today we reported that the mosque in Sittwe was targeted by a large Buddhist militant mob, but that government forces from Myanmar had intervened and prevented the angry rioters from reaching the building. We knew at the time that Rakhine Buddhists had attacked a number of Muslim villages and set many family homes ablaze. It is sad to now report that the soldiers apparently failed to protect the historic religious structure.)

We just have learnt from reliable source that the Buddhist Rakhine Buddhists today torched the Rohingya Historic National Jame-Mosque (built more than 150 years ago) and it is now burning.

Also some Muslim houses near the Mosque are burning due to spreading fire.

The Buddhist Rakhines gathered in front of some Muslim Villages in Sittwe such as Amlapara, Molouvipara etc., and the Rohingya Muslims are worrying about their lives because the security forces are helping and patronizing them.

The Rakhines dared to torch the Mosque and gather in front of some Muslim villages to harm Muslims during section 144.

The Muslims from Arakan demanded the immediate deployment of UN forces in Arakan because the Myanmar government failed, and is even reluctant to protect Muslim Rohingyas in Arakan.

Maybe it is as retaliation of recent happening in Bangladesh. But the incident in Bangladesh was a different thing.

Nurul Islam is a Human Right Activist & Media coordinator, ARU.