New anti-Rohingya, anti-Muslim pogroms broke out in Rakhine (Arakan) state in Burma (Myanmar) in October. Hundreds were killed and tens of thousands fled, some to internal refugee camps and some by boat.

However, rather than assisting boats fleeing the deadly persecution, Bangladesh sent them back. One is reminded of Canada’s S.S. St. Louis, which was refused docking rights in North America for its Jewish refugees. They were returned to Germany, and many died in concentration camps.

Rohingya sources report that, in addition to attacks by Buddhist pogromists, some security forces also fired on the Rohingya. They also report that some of the civilian attackers were disarmed by security forces but not arrested.

There are various matters to be considered with regard to the anti-Rohingya violence. Buddhist monks are playing a major role in anti-Rohingya, anti-Muslim activity.

Anyone giving succour to the terrorized Rohingya is, say the monks, a traitor, and people are therefore afraid to help them. They call for the Rohingya to be expelled from the country. As well, they want a magazine to promote Buddhism to be published and circulated throughout Rakhine. It should be noted that Buddha’s mission was to relieve suffering.

As an aside, it should be noted that Nobel laureate and Burmese Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, herself a devout Buddhist, has steadfastly refused to denounce the ill treatment of and discrimination against the Rohingya.

They are officially declared to be non-citizens in spite of their long-standing presence in the country.