Myanmar interfaith group condemns ARSA's attacks in northern state

The Myanmar Interfaith Friendship and Unity Group (MIFUG) has denounced the recent acts of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in the northern Rakhine state, saying that no religion would ever allow such terrorist attacks.

"We deeply assume that their actions are not concerned with religion," said a statement of the MIFUG which was quoted by the Myanmar News Agency as reporting on Friday.

Responding to the recent national speech by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, the MIFUG expressed its support for the government's efforts to bring about national reconciliation and peace.

The MIFUG also expressed great sorrow for those innocent people killed by terrorists and great sadness of all the displaced people.

Meanwhile, Myanmar government's Implementing Committee is implementing the recommendations of the final report on Rakhine of the Advisory Commission led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the hope of bringing speedy improvement to the situation of the state within the shortest time frame.

Besides the national verification process, the Myanmar authorities are also implementing rehabilitation, resettlement and long-term development programs not only for Muslims but also for Rakhines, Mro, Daing-net and Mramagyi as well as the Hindu minority who fled their villages due to extremist terrorists' attacks as part of the refugee repatriation process.

The ARSA launched fresh attacks on police outposts in Rakhine on Aug. 25, resulting in the displacing of residents in a number of areas in Maungtaw district and the border areas with Bangladesh.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)