Bangladesh Military prepares for a WAR against Myanmar

[BanglaBhoot]

This is a RAW analysis of the dispute -

Bangladesh disputes Myanmar explorations in Bay of Bengal

Guest column by Dr. Anand Kumar

The naval forces of Myanmar and Bangladesh came face to face in the Bay of Bengal recently after an oil and gas exploration attempt by Myanmar in a disputed area. Though the tension has been subsequently diffused the crisis is far from over.

The problem started on November 2 when Bangladesh noted that the South Korean Company Daewoo has started exploration work in AD-7 Block. Nearly fifty people using four ships were working in this area, escorted by two Myanmar’s naval warships. Myanmar had earlier granted rights to this company to do exploration work.

This area in Bay of Bengal is also claimed by Bangladesh. International law allows every country to have and use 200 nautical miles from its coast to the sea. However, this law gives rise to tricky situation as the coasts of India and Bangladesh and Myanmar follow a curve, which implies overlapping of territory. This has led to disagreement on their maritime border. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), India and Myanmar have to delimit the border and file their claim to the UN on June 29 and May 21 next year while Bangladesh has to do it before July 27, 2011.

Both India and Myanmar have been trying to sort out their border dispute with Bangladesh for a long time. In 2004, the Bangladesh foreign ministry formed a committee with members from Petrobangla, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, the Navy, Spaarso, Inland Water Transport Authority and Surveyor of Bangladesh. The purpose of this committee was to recommend a suitable way to mark the deep-sea territory fulfilling requirements of the UN and as per the law of the sea. However, the committee became dysfunctional within a year and could not produce result expected from it.

Though some high level meetings have taken place between Myanmar and Bangladesh, so far no amicable solution has been found. Myanmar is asking for eco-distance system in East to West boundary while Bangladesh is asking to demarcate in equity basis North to South. Recently, expert delegations of Bangladesh and India also held a three-day meeting after a gap of 28 years to settle unresolved maritime boundary issues. But this talk also could not produce result and hovered around discussing boundary in South Talpatty, an island still in formation, in the Bay of Bengal. The maritime border dispute of Bangladesh with Myanmar and India has not been solved because the Bangladesh government has not given adequate attention to the problem.

During the last meeting Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed that they would not start oil and gas exploration in the disputed area. But Bangladesh has gone ahead and started exploration in area close to Chittagong.

The Bay of Bengal is supposed to be highly rich in hydrocarbon resources. It was proved by the Indian discoveries in the Krishna Godavari Basins and also by massive oil and gas finds in Myanmar. Two main basins in the Bay--Krishna-Godavari and Mahanadi --have shown a potential of nearly 18 billion barrels of oil equivalent gas in place. While official sources quote a figure of 100 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves in the region, unofficial estimates peg the reserves at 200 trillion cubic feet of gas. Myanmar had 21.19 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, or 0.3 percent of the world's total, while Bangladesh had 13.77 trillion cubic feet, or 0.2 percent, at the end of 2007, according to BP Plc. Most of it is located in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh has recently been facing shortage of gas. The country currently produces 1,750 million cubic feet of gas a day (mmcfd) and faces a shortage of nearly 200 mmcfd in its daily domestic consumption. This situation exists despite the existence of hydrocarbon in Bangladesh. Gas has been discovered in the Commilla, Sylhet and Chittagong area. Generally wherever gas is found oil is also normally present in lower strata provided certain geological conditions prevail. It is expected that the offshore area of Bangladesh may be having reserve of oil.

Early this year Bangladesh divided its sea territory into 28 blocks and auctioned off the area to international oil companies as part of its stepped-up move to end chronic gas shortages. This decision of Bangladesh was protested by both Myanmar and India who have disputes. This decision was also protested by a section of people in Bangladesh who felt that certain vested interests wanted to go ahead with exploration of oil because it was not easy to trade in gas as its liquefaction was costly.

This decision of Bangladesh has not been particularly liked by Myanmar as this resource is a major source of income for the military junta, which had earlier entered into a deal with China to sell gas. It prompted Myanmar to start exploration in the area right away without waiting for the resolution of dispute. Myanmar has discovered seven trillion cubic feet of gas in 2006 close to Bangladesh waters. Myanmar wants to continue this search further. This also led to tension between the two countries.

The initial response of Bangladesh was to send naval ships. Three naval ships of Bangladesh - BNS Abu Bakar, BNS Madhumati and BNS Nirvoy -went to the spot challenging the Myanmar’s ships but the Myanmar Navy responded by alleging that the Bangladesh Navy ships are trespassing. They also informed the Bangladesh navy that they were acting under instructions from their government.

Bangladesh knows that Myanmar is no pushover, and possibly stronger than it militarily. Hence it also started multi-pronged diplomatic effort. Bangladesh raised the issued with China, a friend of both nations, and also urged Seoul to ask the South Korean-based company hired by Myanmar to stop activities in the disputed waters. The foreign advisor of Bangladesh, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury met Chinese ambassador Zheng Qingdian in Dhaka. After the meeting he hoped that Myanmar would stop activities on the disputed waters. In Beijing Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said, “We hope the countries will settle it through equal and friendly negotiations and maintain a stable bilateral relationship." China also promised to contribute in an appropriate manner as their friend.

The weeklong standoff was diffused when Myanmar removed natural-gas exploration equipment from the disputed zone. But Myanmar also stated that the move was technical, as the South Korean company undertaking the exploration work had completed its seismic survey in Block AD-7 and shifted to another offshore block, A-3. The state-run New Light of Myanmar said South Korea’s Daewoo International Corp had drilled an exploration well down to the targeted depth in Block AD-7 between October 17 and November 5 and the necessary survey was completed. Most importantly it also stated that "further tasks would be carried out according to the work programme."

Myanmar has claimed that withdrawal was not in response to the request of Bangladesh . Myanmar alleged Bangladesh had ``lawlessly demanded that the drilling should be suspended.'' A senior official from Myanmar’s military government said they were open to talks, but insisted that oil and gas companies were operating inside their territory and far away from the disputed sea boundary. Myanmar also asserted that the drilling would carry on until it was concluded.'

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain who had a meeting with Myanmar's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Maung Myit in the wake of the crisis, stated that it was unclear whether the removal of rig was due to a government order or a ``unilateral decision of the South Korean company.''

Myanmar has also alleged that Bangladesh was acting at the instigation the US. It was hinted by a Myanmar official who said, "The acts of Bangladesh have the signs of instigation by outsiders…a US warship is now in Bangladesh doing joint exercises. Bangladesh threatened us with no reason." The US has been one of the severest critiques of military junta in Myanmar. But it has denied any role in the crisis. The American embassy in Dhaka stated that a US Navy salvage ship had arrived in the southeastern Bangladesh port of Chittagong, but said it was there for a salvage and diving operation. It had nothing to do with the Bangladesh-Myanmar dispute and the US ship was nowhere near the disputed waters.

Continuing with their diplomatic effort to resolve the crisis the top leaders of Myanmar and Bangladesh also met in New Delhi on the sidelines of BIMSTEC summit. At the same time, both sides are also building troops on the border. Bangladesh and Myanmar share a 320 km (200 mile) border, partly demarcated by the Naf River. The Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has even asked people in the bordering area to vacate in case of a flare up. The withdrawal of Myanmar is a temporary one. It has at best provided some time to both sides to solve the issue diplomatically. But in case they fail in this a military flare up is not ruled out.

Bangladesh disputes Myanmar explorations in Bay of Bengal

 

[Goodperson]

Is RAW aggrieved?

 

[BanglaBhoot]

I dunno you tell me.

At least you had me laughing for once.

 

[alexjohn]

do you think your country is richer than those nations? lol...poor indians, you all living in third world and there is not much difference between your and there GDP(per capita)

 

[BanglaBhoot]

do you think your country is richer than those nations? lol...poor indians, you all living in third world and there is not much difference between your and there GDP(per capita)

This is your first post on PDF and you pick a topic 3 months old and make a comment like that. Dude get a grip ......

 

[Raquib]

Tension along Myanmar border
Star Report

Tension runs high along the Bangladesh-Myanmar borders as the neighbouring country started erecting barbed-wire fences unilaterally on its side of 200-kilometre land borders with Bangladesh, said defence sources.

The neighbouring nation is also mobilising its troops and naval force, sources said.

When contacted, Foreign Secretary Mohammad Towhid confirmed it saying Myanmar started mobilising its forces in the bordering areas since the November incident in the Bay of Bengal.

"The reinforcements are still there but we do not have any information about the construction of fences," Towhid said.

Bangladesh has no problem if Myanmar erects fences on their territory, he said adding, "It will curb smuggling and illegal trespassing."

Myanmar initiated erecting barbed-wire fences along its borders with Bangladesh since last November when its naval ships intruded into Bangladesh's maritime boundary. But the construction of the fences became visible recently.

Sources said an airport in Myanmar's Sitwa, close to Bangladesh border, is being revamped through construction of long runways.

Myanmar has also mobilised a number of China-made naval ships close to its maritime boundary with Bangladesh.

Defence sources said they have information that the Myanmarese military rulers were unhappy that the country in early November had to withdraw an oil and gas-drilling rig from Bangladesh's maritime boundary which they claimed as theirs.

The rig was owned and operated by a South Korean company.

The then Bangladesh caretaker government tackled the situation requesting South Korea to call back its drilling rig. Later, Myanmar withdrew its vessels reluctantly.

Since then Myanmar has kept its soldiers on high alert alongside Bangladesh border while Bangladesh also put its troops on alert for some time.

Sources said Myanmarese soldiers recently erected barbed-wire fences at Kyin Chaung village in Northern Maungdau of Rakhine State in Myanmar's westernmost part. Four cargo ships carrying barbed wires from Maungadau port reached Kyin Gan Bin Jetty on Monday.

They are being taken from the jetty to Nasaka Areas 1 and 2 with a plan to fence the areas from Maungdau to Paletwa, a triangle point on Bangladesh-Myanmar-India border, sources said.

"As tension mounts, smuggling in the bordering areas stopped totally," said a source.

"A Myanmarese drilling rig was positioned close to Bangladesh maritime boundary the day before yesterday. But it did not enter our waters," he added.

The government has already been informed about the prevailing situation but no specific instructions were given to the army, navy or air force.

The Daily Star - Details News

 

[Raquib]

Are they trying to scare the daylights lights out of us, or they just wanting for a knuckle sand-witch??

 

[Raquib]

Guys check this out and realize the Burmese are an inch closer to commit suicide...

Military analyst says Myanmar Navy can't compete with Bangladesh's

The capabilities of the Myanmar Navy may have been over estimated according to a military researcher of a pro-democracy Myanmar group.

A Burmese military analyst said Burma's navy could not compete with Bangladesh's if the two countries come to blow over ongoing maritime boundary dispute in the Gulf of Bengal.

U Htay Aung from research and documentation department of Thailand-based Network for Democracy and Development said the Burmese Navy's weaponry and tactical skills are no match for those of Bangladesh.

"The Burmese government only has a few warships bought from China that break down often even during military exercises," said U Htay Aung.

"Many Burmese naval ships in Heingyi Island base were also destroyed by Cyclone Nargis," he said

 

[HK-47]

knuckle sandwitch?They are very powerful even the Chinese did not back us up,they got strong support from the Chinese as well the Indians.They have a strong military.

any information on the 24th Infantry Division of the Army?

 

[Raquib]

knuckle sandwitch?They are very powerful even the Chinese did not back us up,they got strong support from the Chinese as well the Indians.They have a strong military.

any information on the 24th Infantry Division of the Army?

I'd be glad if you'd read the third post of this thread posted by me...

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Myanmar attacks BD then the US will back us up. Myanmar could not be so stupid.

 

[Kharian_Beast]

Bangladesh should build an electric fence on its side and landmine key crossing points. No one should have to take stress from Burma, the genocidal experts of the region.

Persecution of Muslims in Myanmar
Further information: Persecution of Muslims in Myanmar

The first Muslim recorded in Burmese history

The first Muslim documented in Burmese history (recorded in Hmannan Yazawin or Glass Palace Chronicle) was Byat Wi during the Mon, Thaton King's reign. (It was at about 1050 AD). He was killed not because he was a Muslim but because the king was worried about of his strength.[24]

Shwe Byin brothers Martyred

The second two persons killed later were his nephews. The two sons of his brother Byat Ta, known as the Shwe Byin brothers. These children were executed because they refused to obey the forced labour order of the king, and may be also because of their religious belief.[3] But it is sure that they were killed not because they were Muslims nor because they failed to contribute to the building of the pagoda but because the king or people walking in the corridors of powers in the royal court were worried of their popularity and skills. It was clearly recorded in the Glass Palace Chronicle of the Kings of Burma that they were not trusted any more.[27]

Assassination of Nga Yaman Kan

Rahman Khan (Nga Yaman Kan) was another Muslim killed for political reason, because of treason to his own king and clearly not a religious persecution. It was during wartime, the famous national hero, King Kyansittha sent a hunter as a sniper to assassinate him.[3][77]

Massacre in Arakan

Another mass killings of Muslims in Arakan may be not for the religion but likely to be due to politics and greed only. Shah Shuja’ was the second son of the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan who built the famous Taj Mahal of India. Shah Shuja’ lost to his brother and fled with his family and army in to Arakan. Sandathudama (1652-1687 AD), the Arakan King accepted and allowed him to settle there. He wanted to continue to buy ships to go to Mecca and was willing to pay with silver and gold. But the Arakan king asked for his daughter and also became greedy to get all the wealth. At last after an alleged unsuccessful attempt of rebellion the sultan and all his followers were killed. All men seen with beards, the symbol of Islam, were beheaded not because they were Muslims but just easily identified from others from these features. Women were put into prison and let them die with hunger. Therefore that massacre was targeted at Muslim refugees from India not because of their religion, Islam, but for economic or political reasons.[78][45][79][80][81][82]

Muslims under Bayintnaung

Muslims served under Burmese king Bayintnaung (1550-1589 AD).[13] In 1559 AD after conquering Bago (Pegu) he prohibited the Muslims from doing halal (killing by cutting the throat under the name of Allah) of goats and chicken. He was religiously intolerant and had forced some of his subjects to listen to Buddhist sermons and some were even said to be converted by force. He also disallowed the Edil Adha, Kurbani sacrifice of cattle.[13]

Muslims under Alaungpaya

King Alaungpaya (1752-1760) prohibited Muslims to do halal on cattle.[13]

Bodawpaya

King Bodawpaya (1782-1819) arrested four famous Myanmar Muslims Moulvis (Imams) from Myedu and killed them in Ava, capital after they refused to eat pork.[83] According to the Myedu Muslims and Myanmar Muslims version there were seven dark days after that execution and the king later apologized and recognized them as saints.[84]

[edit] Racial and religious Riots

Under British Imperialism

Imperialism gives birth to its own antithesis, the movement for national liberation among the colonial countries and the social revolutionary movement of the working-class. Communalism is a phenomenon hitherto unknown to Burma. Burmans are known abroad as hospitable people and as such, they are friendly to foreigners, especially to Indians to whose country Burma owes her cultural heritage. Racial hatred against Indians was a thing unheard of in Burma. Prior to 1930, Indians had even taken part in the movement for political independence. The Burmans on their part, also had demonstrated their solidarity with the Indian struggle for freedom. Dhobama Asi-Ayone, a nationalist organisation with socialist tendencies, the vanguard of the anti-imperialist struggle in Burma, have made various attempts to bring the two communities together. Dhobama Asi-Ayone has widened its scope by including the Indian masses. In all the workers’ struggles under the leadership of Dhobama Asi-Ayone, the Indian workers are fighting side by side with their Burmese comrades. Imperialism could not tolerate the growing solidarity of the Indians and the Burmans.[85]

Anti Indian and anti Muslim sentiments started during British rule

Anti Indian sentiments started after the First World War during the British rule.[86] In Burma there were half million Muslims in 1921. More than half of Indians were Indian Muslims.[87] Although Myanmar Muslims are different from the Indian Muslims and Indian Myanmar Muslims, Burmese Buddhists put them together even mixed with Hindu Indians, and called them Kala.[88]

The root of this hatred was[88][89]

1. Difference in religion.
2. Basic anti foreigner feelings.
3. Low standard of living of the recent migrants.
4. Recent migrants willingness to do Dirty, Difficult and Dangerous jobs.
5. Indians bought the Burmese lands especially Chittiers.
6. Indians had already filled up and monopolized the government services when the Burmese were later ready for those jobs.
7. Professional competition.
8. World economic recession of 1930 aggravated the competition for the reduced economic pie.

1930 anti-Indian riot

In 1930 there was an anti-Indian riot in Burma under British rule.

The problem started in Yangon port, because of the irresponsible action of the British firm of Stevedores. It had employed hundreds of Indian labourers. While those Indians were on strike, that firm had employed the Burmese workers just to break the strike. So the Indians had to give in and ended the strike. Next morning when the Burmese workers came and reported for work they were told by the British firm that their service was no longer needed. Some of the Indian workers who were angry because they had to end the strike at failure because of these Burmese workers laughed at them. Some Burmese workers were angry and started the fight and Indians retaliated. It grew rapidly into anti Indian (including anti Muslims) riots. Even within the first half-hour at least two hundred Indians were massacred and flung into the river. Authorities ordered the police to fire upon any assembly of five or more who refused to lay down the arms, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. That was a black day of 26 May. Within two days it spread to the whole country and no one knew the exact causality.[88]

Anti Muslim riot in 1938

There was another anti Muslim riot in 1938, while still under British rule. The real basic hidden agenda was aimed at the British Government, but the Burmese dared not show this openly. The growing Nationalistic sentiments fanned by the local media disguised as anti Muslim to avoid the early detection and notice was followed by the full blown force of mighty British government machinery. Throughout the Burmese struggles against British rule, all the political issues, movements, meetings, demonstrations, riots, rebellions and even the revolutions were instigated, inspired, influenced and led by newspapers.[90][91]

Burma for Burmese Campaign

Burmese started the Burma for Burmese only Campaign, then marched to the Muslim (Surti) Bazaar.[92] While the Indian Police broke the violent demonstration, three monks were hurt. Burmese newspapers used the pictures of Indian police attacking the Buddhist monks to further incite the spread of riots.[93] Muslim properties: shops, houses and mosques were looted, destroyed and burnt to ashes. They assaulted and even massacred the Muslims. It spread to all over Burma and recorded that 113 mosques were damaged.[94]

British Official White Paper

This paragraph's basic facts are taken from Maurice Collis' "Trials in Burma". He was the judge in Rangoon, who eyewitnessed the riots and wrote his book based on the British Official White Paper given by, The Simon Commission. (The Royal Statutory Commission, appointed according to the Law of the Government of India in 1919, The Montague-Chelmsford Law.)[88]

The Inquiry Committee by British

On 22 September 1938, the British Governor set up the Inquiry Committee.[95] They found out that the real cause was the discontent in the government regarding the deterioration in sociopolitical and economic conditions of Burmans.[95] The book was used as an inciting factor by the irresponsible Burmese newspapers.[95] They used the anti Muslim propaganda as a disguise to cover up for the political struggle to gain independence. So the Buddhists used the Muslims as a scapegoat, for the first time, to fight against the British.

The Simon Commission (The Royal Statutory Commission, appointed according to the Law of the Government of India, 1919, The Montague-Chelmsford Law) to inquire the effects of the Dyarchy system of ruling Burma, had recommended that special places be assigned to the Myanmar Muslims in the Legislative Council.

It recommended that full rights of citizenship should be guaranteed to all the minorities: the right of free worship, the right to follow their own customs, the right to own property and to receive a share of the public revenues for the maintenance of their own educational and charitable institutions. It recommended Home Rule or independent government separate from India or the status of dominion.

But the British Government refused to accept all those recommended except the separation, at the round table committee on India held in London in 1930.

Muslims under U Nu

AFPFL expelled Burma Muslim Congress[96]

The BMC, Burma Muslim Congress was founded almost at the same time with the AFPFL, Anti-Fascist Peoples’ Freedom Party of General Aung San and U Nu before World War Two.[97]

Prime Minister U Nu, just few months after independence of Burma, requested the Burma Muslim Congress to resign its membership from AFPFL. In response to that U Khin Maung Lat, the new President of BMC decided to discontinue the Islamic Religious activities of the BMC and rejoined the AFPFL. U Nu removed the Burma Muslim Congress from AFPFL on 30 September 1956. BMC was asked to dissolve since 1955. Later U Nu decreed Buddhism as the state religion of Burma against the will of the ethnic minorities and various religious organizations including Myanmar Muslims.

Muslims under General Ne Win

When General Ne Win swept to power on a wave of nationalism in 1962, the status of Muslims changed for the worse. Muslims were expelled from the army and were rapidly marginalized[5]. The generic racist slur of "kala" (black) used against perceived "foreigners" has especially negative connotations when referring to Burmese Muslims.[6]

The dictatorial government, which operates a pervasive internal security apparatus, generally infiltrates or monitors the meetings and activities of virtually all organizations, including religious organizations.[7] Accusations of "terrorism" are made against Muslim organizations such as the All Burma Muslim Union.[8] [9] Many Muslims have joined armed resistance groups who are fighting for greater freedoms in Myanmar.[10]

Bertil Lintner predicted the 1988 Anti-Muslim riot

Being familiar with the above usual maneuver, adopted by the Burma Military Government, Bertil Lintner, famous Swedish journalist expert on Burma, was certain that the economic failure and political dissent would be covered up by inciting anti-Muslim racial riots. The premonitions and predictions he made made since 17th. of April 1988 in the Bangkok Post, really came true within a couple of months’ time.[98] Myanmar Government agents managed successfully to incite the anti-Muslim riots in Taung Gyi and Prome, the native town of Ne Win. Hundreds of Muslims were killed, especially in Prome. Properties of Muslims were looted or were put to the torch. Houses, shops, mosques, Muslim religious schools and even the Muslim orphanage were destroyed in those areas. The Military Intelligence chief Brigadier General Tin Oo surreptitiously launched an anti-Muslim campaign in Min Doan and Kyone Doe but that attempt fizzled out and failed to create widespread community riots in the country. After that some of the Muslim victims fled to the east near the Burma Thailand border and formed a group of Muslim freedom fighters who vowed to fight against the central Burmese Government.[98]

Anti-Muslim Riots in Yangon, former capital (1997)

During the time of haj in 1997 between Buddhists and Muslims created the attack from the Military Junta Government. The Government soldiers were described as Buddhist monks and using the Municipal track, then they traveled into Yangon city. They were trying to destroy those Mosque which is less Islamic people are living around. They had successfully destroyed the Mosques from Pazondaung Townships and Allon Townships. During the time they were destroying the Mosques in Pazondaung Townships, the Military soldiers were blocking all driveways and walkways into the Townships and protected those soldiers described as Buddhist monks.

Anti-Muslim Riots in Mandalay (1997)

The racial tension in March 1997 between Buddhists and Muslims and the attack on Muslim properties was apparently masterminded by the ruling regime in Burma. The bronze Buddha statue in the Maha Myatmuni pagoda, originally from the Arakan, brought to Mandalay by King Bodawpaya in 1784 AD was renovated by the authorities. The Mahamyat Muni statue was broken open, leaving a gaping hole in the statue, and it was generally presumed that the regime was searching for the Padamya Myetshin, a legendary ruby that ensures victory in war to those who possess it.[99]

On 16 March 1997 beginning at about 3:30 p.m., a mob of about 1,000-1,500 Buddhist monks and others shouted anti-Muslim slogans without provocation of any kind on the part of the Muslims. They targeted the mosques first for attack, followed by Muslim shop-houses and transportation vehicles in the vicinity of mosques, damaging, destroying, looting, and trampling, burning the religious books, and committing acts of sacrilege. The area where the acts of damage, destruction, and lootings committed in Kaingdan, Mandalay.[100]The unrest in Mandalay allegedly began after reports of an attempted rape of a girl by Muslim men. At least three people have been killed and around 100 monks arrested.[101]

Anti-Muslim Riots in Taungoo(2001)

In 2001,Myo Pyauk Hmar Soe Kyauk Hla Tai (or) The Fear of Losing One's Race and many other anti-Muslim pamphlets were widely distributed by monks. Distribution of the pamphlets was also facilitated by the Union of Solidarity and Development Association (USDA). The USDA is the civilian support wing of the military regime.[102] Many Muslims feel that this exacerbated the anti-Muslim feelings that had been provoked by the destruction in Bamiyan, Afghanistan.[103] The above anti-Buddhist actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan (the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan) was used as a pretext to commit violence against Muslims in Myanmar by Buddhist mobs. Human Rights Watch reports that there was mounting tension between the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Taungoo for weeks before it erupted into violence in the middle of May 2001. Buddhist monks demanded that the Hantha Mosque in Taungoo be destroyed in "retaliation" for the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan.[11] Mobs of Buddhists, led by monks, vandalized Muslim-owned businesses and property and attacked and killed Muslims in Muslim communities.[104]Buddhist monks demanded that the ancient Hantha Mosque in Taungoo be destroyed in retaliation for the destruction in Bamiyan.[103] On May, 18, however, Han Tha mosque and Taungoo Railway station mosque were razed to ground by bulldozers owned by the SPDC junta.[103] On May, 15, 2001, anti-Muslim riots broke out in Taungoo, Pegu division, resulting in the deaths of about 200 Muslims, in the destruction of 11 mosques and setting ablaze of over 400 houses. On May 15, the first day of the anti-Muslim uprisings, about 20 Muslims who were praying in the Han Tha mosque were killed and some were beaten to death by the pro-junta forces. On May, 17, 2001, Lt. General Win Myint, Secretary No. 3 of the SPDC and deputy Home and Religious minister arrived and curfew was imposed there in Taungoo. All communication lines were disconnected.[105]The mosques in Taungoo remained closed as of May 2002. Muslims have been forced to worship in their homes. Local Muslim leaders complain that they are still harassed. After the violence, many local Muslims moved away from Taungoo to other nearby towns and as far away as Yangon. After two days of violence the military stepped in and the violence immediately ended.[103] There also were reports that local government authorities alerted Muslim elders in advance of the attacks and warned them not to retaliate to avoid escalating the violence. While the details of how the attacks began and who carried them out were unclear by year's end, the violence significantly heightened tensions between the Buddhist and Muslim communities.[106]

Anti-Muslim Riots in Sittwe (2001)

There is constant tension between Buddhists and Muslims in Sittwe. The resentments are deeply rooted, and result from both communities feeling that they are under siege from the other. The violence in February 2001 flared up after an incident in which seven young monks refused to pay a Muslim stall holder for cakes they had just eaten. The Muslim seller, a woman, retaliated by beating one of the novices, said a Muslim eyewitness. Several more senior monks then came to protest and a brawl ensued, he said. One of the monks was hit over the head by the Muslim seller’s husband and started to bleed. Riots then broke out. A full-scale riot erupted after dusk and carried on for several hours. Buddhists poured gasoline on Muslim homes and properties and set them alight. More than thirty homes and a Muslim guesthouse were burned down. Police and soldiers reportedly stood by and did nothing to stop the violence initially. There are no reliable estimates of the death toll or the number of injuries. More than twenty died according to some Muslim activists. The fighting took place in the predominantly Muslim part of town and so it was predominantly Muslim property that was damaged.

Islam in Burma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Bull]

Myanmar is under military embargo, with limited resources how much can they add on. They might have enough foot soldiers, but assets i dont think so.

Myanmar would be inviting trouble by attacking Bangladesh which is a democratic country.

 

[Raquib]

Myanmar is under military embargo, with limited resources how much can they add on. They might have enough foot soldiers, but assets i dont think so.

Myanmar would be inviting trouble by attacking Bangladesh which is a democratic country.

I agree with you in this point.

 

[TopCat]

knuckle sandwitch?They are very powerful even the Chinese did not back us up,they got strong support from the Chinese as well the Indians.They have a strong military.

any information on the 24th Infantry Division of the Army?

Nah... Burmese has to fight with BD on separatist owned territory(assuming BD army enters Burma the very first day). Even the Rohiyngya will kill them in open if there were a fight with BD.
India will always chickened out (USA will be on the back of their head!!!!), but China will try contain the situation.