Myanmar’s military government spokesperson refutes claims of a massacre in Byine Phyu village, Rakhine state, denying that 76 people were killed. The village is at the center of ongoing conflict between pro-democracy guerrillas, ethnic minority armed forces, and the military rulers who took power in 2021. The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed organization, has accused army troops and their allies of the killings, amidst fears of violence against the Rohingya minority.
Rakhine has seen a rise in violence, with the Arakan Army gaining control over several townships. The group, representing the Buddhist Rakhine minority, is known for human rights violations, including the recent capture of Buthidaung town.
The situation in Byine Phyu village remains disputed, with conflicting reports from the military and the Arakan Army. Lack of independent verification is due to travel restrictions in the region. The UN human rights office has expressed concerns over new attacks on Rohingya civilians, pointing to the potential for violent persecution against the minority group.
The Rohingya have faced discrimination and denial of basic rights in Myanmar for generations, with many in the Buddhist majority considering them illegal migrants. The recent events in Rakhine have sparked international alarm, as fears of renewed violence against the Rohingya persist. The Arakan Army denies accusations of burning down houses and forcing residents to flee, attributing the destruction to the military government’s troops and local allies.
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