When debating about indigenousness of Rohingyas to Burma, our friends from pro-Rohingya camp often quoted news clippings or various speeches by Burmese dignitaries in 1950-60s (either deceased or still alive). No mistake, we can find the use of word 'Rohingya' by various Burmese sources as description for the ethnic group at the Bangladesh/Burma border. Of course, the use of word 'Rohingya' alone would not suffice to determine whether they are one of the indigenous ethnic groups in Burma.

A year since those anti-Rohingya riots break-out in Rakhine state, one would wonder what may have been the underlying causes for such terrible conflict. On the surface, the primary cause of such an event appears to be because of politically immature Rakhine and Rohingya masses which triggered by an unfortunate event (death of Ma Thidar Htway, a Rakhine woman). Others pointed to that of Burma's new found media freedom, i.e. the access to Internet and facebook, youtube, twitters & God only knows whatnow? of web-tools&gadges, that has been fanning the flames of Rakhine-racist mobs.

In responding to much awaited 'Rakhine Investigation Commission Report', there appears to be two distinct groups amongst commentators. Some commentators -- the 'old habits die hard' exiles -- usually look for 'certain' dis-appointments in that report; and they surely won't be disappointed! Others who viewed the report in a moderate mind-set -- OHCHR for example -- see some positive developments.

Having seen various reports, including one compiled by the Burma Campaign UK, I am still not getting satisfactory explanation about these anti-muslim riots that took place in Meikhtila. Sure, there have been record of muslim residential quarters in that town were burnt down to the ground. But why was that Burmese mobs in Meikhtila inflamed so quickly? As the ICG observer put it (see AFP report), "systematic and methodical way in which Muslim neighborhoods were razed to the ground is highly suggestive of some degree of advance planning by radical elements".

A bit heavy handed approach by Election Commission on RNDP. The primary contents of that article, to my opinion, are largely acceptable. But the main problem is in the annexure. Just by running through of the tone of article, I wonder has this annexure being put in by somebody else other than the original writer? Have a look at page 4/5 of this document.