Violence and responsibility in Myanmar
By Matthew J Walton
After a brief lull in Buddhist-Muslim conflict in Myanmar, there are reports of renewed violence and unrest in western Rakhine State, where Muslim Rohingya and Buddhist Rakhines remain forcibly separated. A law that would restrict inter-religious marriage is gaining in popularity, while Buddhist monks associated with the 969 movement continue to preach anti-Muslim sermons.
At the same time, they rely on a particular interpretation of Buddhist teachings to deny responsibility for the violence committed in the name of 969 and the protection of Buddhism. However, others have argued for a different interpretation of Buddhist philosophy rooted in the teaching of ''right speech'' and an awareness of the effects of our actions on others.
Many factors fuel persistent religious and communal tensions in Myanmar, including long-standing prejudice against Muslims in the country. Despite government pledges to prosecute those who contributed to recent violence in accordance with the law, Muslims have thus far been disproportionately sentenced.
Many Buddhists believe that Buddhism in Myanmar is not only under threat from Islam but are also frustrated by Western dismissals of this threat and the perception that the global community is demonizing Buddhism while only acknowledging Muslim grievances. While the plight of the Rohingya has received the bulk of international media coverage, Rakhine Buddhists have felt that their own conditions of poverty and denial of rights have been ignored.
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