Burma's Lost Kingdoms: Splendors Of Arakan by Pamela Gutman, A Book Reviews

Burma's Lost Kingdoms: Splendors Of Arakan by Pamela Gutman, A Book Reviews
By Habib Siddiqui
Al-Jazeerah, January 13, 2006

For centuries, before the current poisonous situation in which one community does not recognize another, Arakan was a place of harmony and mutual trust in which the two major religious communities (Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims) thrived side by side as sister communities. All this happened because of the first of the Mrauk-U kings who had sought and got help from the Muslim Sultan of Bengal in 1430 CE to restore his kingdom. In the centuries that were to follow, the minority Muslims became essentially the royal guards, generals, ministers and advisers.

But things changed beginning in 1784 when the Burman king Boddow Paya annexed the country and evicted most Arakanese - Buddhists and Muslims alike. Many fled to Chittagong (now in Bangladesh) and other adjoining territories. A reign of terror was established in the next four decades in which much of the Muslim architecture and culture would systematically be wiped out to make the country appear 100% Buddhist. With the British occupation in 1826 and subsequent Burman control of modern Burma (since its independence), various groups have been played mercilessly against each other so that the central authority could hold on to its reign of authority.

The Rohingya people have now become the worst victims of our modern time. They are essentially reduced to the forgotten people of our time (see this author’s article: - The Rohingya: the forgotten people of our time). Not only are their citizenship denied by the SPDC ruling junta in Myanmar, even their place in history, at least from the time of Mrauk-U dynasty, is now denied by many racially biased pseudo-historians with agendas of their own. The subject on Rohingya has become a taboo or a poison pill!

Pamela Gutman is an unbiased historian who has studied the ancient history of Arakan. In this book, she took a close look at recent archaeological research conducted in Mrauk-U. The fortified city of Mrauk-U was Arakan's capital for four centuries, and the impressive remnants of old Arakanese temples and pagodas still stand as a living reminder of the past. Unfortunately, as already hinted above, most of the Muslim sites, including the famous Sandikhan mosque now stand in ruins. A serious effort is needed at the behest of the UN to restore such sites for a better appreciation of this Mrauk-U (now lost) Kingdom, where it embodied the notions of pluralism and religious tolerance among the various groups.

Gutman’s book is a major contribution to our knowledge of Arakan. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in Southeast Asian history and architecture.

Dr. Habib SiddiquiPhiladelphia, USA(saeva@aol.com)

A Request to Contributors!!

From: Ko Ko Linn
Signed-By: yahoo.com Mailed-By: yahoo.com
To: APUF@yahoogroups.com, Misha Jilani , May Yu , BMG Burmese , Mubashir Jilani , Noor Mohd , BRG , Free Rohingya , Islam Org , kunyia , Rahmat Abdul Karim , Reza Uddin , Rohingya Net , Rohingya Youth , Tin Aung , WHOISROHINGYA , zin zin
Date: Oct 2, 2005 5:13 AM
Subject: Re: [APUF] A Request to Contributors!!

Dear Ko Arzarni Thwe,

All of the first, I'd like to beg your pardon for my lately response. As I am to much busy within these days and it is caused for my delay.As you write, if someone has argument about his genesis then the scientific test DNA is very helpful. One of our own poor literate people also asked me as why I am not dare to have DNA test.

It is not a question for dare or not; it is a question for the so called human dignity of an entire community. As I believed, still you have studied so many chronicles about Arakan and you must be found some Magh elites claimed as they are from Aryan and some others are mongoloid. Now so-called Moe Kyaw Tun claims himself as Indo-Mongoloid. As well I think you have better information on the genesis of the Burman that remains still unclear. Then why not ask them to have DNA test ? Why do only the Rohingya need to have? We the Araknese Rohingyas, who still neither claim the citizenship of other country nor give up living inside Arakan are utmost dare to give protection to our community from every sides. The Rohingyas who temporarily staying in abroad will also return to their motherland for carrying their duty on their community and religion. Rohingya who claimed foreign citizenship are also know their obligations to their faith and race. ",

Dear Ko Arzarni Thwe,

All of the first, I'd like to beg your pardon for my lately response. As I am to much busy within these days and it is caused for my delay.

As you write, if someone has argument about his genesis then the scientific test DNA is very helpful. One of our own poor literate people also asked me as why I am not dare to have DNA test. It is not a question for dare or not; it is a question for the so called human dignity of an entire community.

As I believed, still you have studied so many chronicles about Arakan and you must be found some Magh elites claimed as they are from Aryan and some others are mongoloid. Now so-called Moe Kyaw Tun claims himself as Indo-Mongoloid. As well I think you have better information on the genesis of the Burman that remains still unclear. Then why not ask them to have DNA test ? Why do only the Rohingya need to have?

We the Araknese Rohingyas, who still neither claim the citizenship of other country nor give up living inside Arakan are utmost dare to give protection to our community from every sides. The Rohingyas who temporarily staying in abroad will also return to their motherland for carrying their duty on their community and religion. Rohingya who claimed foreign citizenship are also know their obligations to their faith and race.
All Rohingya intellectuals are realizing now as what is the solution for having a peaceful future of next generations. If you are seeking humanitarian assistances on bringing democracy and human rights inside Burma then you must be pay understanding about each and everyone regardless of race, color and faith. We oppose to all those who does not show the mutual respects according to the parameter of human dignities. We will fight them all those Xenophobia and neo-Nazis who discriminately denying the constitutional rights of the Rohingya community in Burma as well as in Arakan. Personally we have nothing problem with your community and other communities of Burma.
All Rohingya intellectuals are realizing now as what is the solution for having a peaceful future of next generations.

If you are seeking humanitarian assistances on bringing democracy and human rights inside Burma then you must be pay understanding about each and everyone regardless of race, color and faith.

We oppose to all those who does not show the mutual respects according to the parameter of human dignities.

We will fight them all those Xenophobia and neo-Nazis who discriminately denying the constitutional rights of the Rohingya community in Burma as well as in Arakan.

Personally we have nothing problem with your community and other communities of Burma.
We invite all those who justly called for DNA test to all communities for having unclear of their origins. I hope you realize now as what is behind the DNA test. With best regards!!

Ko Ko Linn (YU)

Free Rohingya Campaign (International)

Arzar Ni Thwe <arzarni_thwe@yahoo.com> wrote:
Dear (Ko) Ko Ko Lin,

I believe you have my idea wrong. I am not an Arakan and have no intention to rebuff Rohingyas. All I rasied was a fact that can support the historical facts.

If your historical facts are right, the scientific researches will support it. What I said was that we can support the historical facts with the help of science. That's all. There was no color and no other intentions on the issue. The mail was quite short and I would urge you to re-read it again.However, when you over-react the fact that science can help proof history, people would think otherwise.I completely understand the fact that it is quite insensitive to undertake such kind of research to a comunity, any comunity will feel sad and insulted.

I have mentioned it in my original mail. I understand your feeling. But if I were you and if my historical facts produced were right, then I will proudly welcome such kind of researches and make the wrongs into right. No one will ever say that Rohingyas are not national brothers again anymore, if DNA supports you. You have to understand such test will not reject rohingyas unless rohingya's claims are wrong! If Rohingyas are truely Arab decendents came to Arakan land 500 - 800 years ago, then that\'s it! Rohingyas will have a proud place as a national ethnic!We can seek any other scientific researches, not only DNA, which would support the identity of Rohingya. When you are arguing Dr Aye Chan said this and Ko Zaw Min Htut said this, we (other national brothers) get more confuse and there was not solid conclusion.

I hope you understand my point. And I agree with your point "Only Rohingya needs a DNA test for claiming as Burmese."? I think this issue goes out of Rohingyas. Recently there are a lot of illegal immigrations from China to our country especially to Yangon and Mandalay. This is also an issue of concern. SPDC has no concern over the immigration on that side of the country.

Anyway, please do not take my previous mail as an insult. I am just suggesting a possible solution, effective and fast in stead of arguing over some articles - new and old. If soft methods such as historical articles cannot solve, hard methods in the labs might solve it.

If your historical facts are right, the scientific researches will support it. What I said was that we can support the historical facts with the help of science. That's all. There was no color and no other intentions on the issue. The mail was quite short and I would urge you to re-read it again.

However, when you over-react the fact that science can help proof history, people would think otherwise.

I completely understand the fact that it is quite insensitive to undertake such kind of research to a comunity, any comunity will feel sad and insulted. I have mentioned it in my original mail. I understand your feeling. But if I were you and if my historical facts produced were right, then I will proudly welcome such kind of researches and make the wrongs into right. No one will ever say that Rohingyas are not national brothers again anymore, if DNA supports you. You have to understand such test will not reject rohingyas unless rohingya's claims are wrong! If Rohingyas are truely Arab decendents came to Arakan land 500 - 800 years ago, then that's it! Rohingyas will have a proud place as a national ethnic!

We can seek any other scientific researches, not only DNA, which would support the identity of Rohingya.

When you are arguing Dr Aye Chan said this and Ko Zaw Min Htut said this, we (other national brothers) get more confuse and there was not solid conclusion.

I hope you understand my point. And I agree with your point "Only Rohingya needs a DNA test for claiming as Burmese."? I think this issue goes out of Rohingyas. Recently there are a lot of illegal immigrations from China to our country especially to Yangon and Mandalay. This is also an issue of concern. SPDC has no concern over the immigration on that side of the country.

Anyway, please do not take my previous mail as an insult. I am just suggesting a possible solution, effective and fast in stead of arguing over some articles - new and old. If soft methods such as historical articles cannot solve, hard methods in the labs might solve it.
Regards

AZNT

Ko Ko Linn <ko_linn_yu@yahoo.com> wrote:
Dear Contributors,

Salaam Alaikum!

Regarding the message from Ko Azarni Thwe and continuous attacks by well-known Magh elites, it is indicated that the Rohingya seriously needs a high and sufficient protection from genocide in future. If 97 percent of the total population of a nation will target to a 3 percent community by claiming as:-

1. The only Rohingya needs a DNA test for claiming as Burmese.
2. Rohingyas are illegal migrants of Bengali origins during the colonial periods.
3. Rohingya needs to find third places for their permanent settlement because they are not allowed on the land of Buddhism. The first idea is originated from a Neo-Nazi, Xenophobia, so-called Moe Kyaw Tun who is suggested a SPDC agent and appointed to live and work in Singapore. He has the right to say or write a few word against the SPDC occasionally if it is necessary. Anyway, we have to suggest as all the SPDC and self-claim democracy activists are nothing difference to us. At the final stage his ideology became a supportive to Ko Azarni Thwe and to be suggested as later to everyone of them. I am feeling very proud to say that we, Rohingyas have still no problem with any community of Burma. After knowing everyone as Rohingyas are peace loving, why do they are unaccepted? Are the figure of Rohingyas unacceptable?

3. Rohingya needs to find third places for their permanent settlement because they are not allowed on the land of Buddhism.

The first idea is originated from a Neo-Nazi, Xenophobia, so-called Moe Kyaw Tun who is suggested a SPDC agent and appointed to live and work in Singapore. He has the right to say or write a few word against the SPDC occasionally if it is necessary. Anyway, we have to suggest as all the SPDC and self-claim democracy activists are nothing difference to us.

At the final stage his ideology became a supportive to Ko Azarni Thwe and to be suggested as later to everyone of them.

I am feeling very proud to say that we, Rohingyas have still no problem with any community of Burma. After knowing everyone as Rohingyas are peace loving, why do they are unaccepted?

Are the figure of Rohingyas unacceptable?

The only thing they are denied is their religion. Yes, the Islam is unacceptable. If Rohingya confess their faith into Buddhism then everything will be OK with them.

Now, Rohingya elites have to choice the better way for the safety of their community. If they choice the way to confess their religion into Buddhism, all the inhuman treatments will be removed. It is very easy way. As well, living in silence or only talking for unity without activities will make indeed the illiterate people of the community will choice their way.

If Rohingyas deny the way to confess the religion, then they must be followed after what is the obligation in Islam to them.For the second accusation, while each and everyone trying to bring democracy and human rights in Burma, the only Maghs are extremely serious on the anti Rohingya propagandas by using their webs, medias and other many ways. Every organizations, individuals and intellectuals show a deep concern on the word Rohingya. "

The only thing they are denied is their religion. Yes, the Islam is unacceptable. If Rohingya confess their faith into Buddhism then everything will be OK with them.

Now, Rohingya elites have to choice the better way for the safety of their community.

- If they choice the way to confess their religion into Buddhism, all the inhuman treatments will be removed. It is very easy way. As well, living in silence or only talking for unity without activities will make indeed the illiterate people of the community will choice their way.
- If Rohingyas deny the way to confess the religion, then they must be followed after what is the obligation in Islam to them.

For the second accusation, while each and everyone trying to bring democracy and human rights in Burma, the only Maghs are extremely serious on the anti Rohingya propagandas by using their webs, medias and other many ways. Every organizations, individuals and intellectuals show a deep concern on the word Rohingya.

Why does the word Rohingya make harmful to them? It is considerable. They said as they never oppose to being Islam or Muslims in Arakan. Also they claim as they accept the people by calling them Bengali. So far the word Rohingya is only the problem for them. Why?If the Maghs have the right to claim themselves as Rakhine, the Pyus have the right to claim as Bhama and so on, then why not us? Anyway, we should follow them. We should accept and convey our heartfelt thanks to all those anti Rohingya Magh for giving us a new idea for our own future. We need to survive our community by thinking such of a new method. The recent call of Azarni Thwe for DNA test shows us they ignored or denied all the historical back ground of Rohingya in Arakan which were written by others. They like to say the former democratic leaders used the a tactic by recognizing us as Rohingya and ethnic minority of Burma.

Why does the word Rohingya make harmful to them? It is considerable. They said as they never oppose to being Islam or Muslims in Arakan. Also they claim as they accept the people by calling them Bengali. So far the word Rohingya is only the problem for them. Why?

If the Maghs have the right to claim themselves as Rakhine, the Pyus have the right to claim as Bhama and so on, then why not us?

Anyway, we should follow them. We should accept and convey our heartfelt thanks to all those anti Rohingya Magh for giving us a new idea for our own future. We need to survive our community by thinking such of a new method.

The recent call of Azarni Thwe for DNA test shows us they ignored or denied all the historical back ground of Rohingya in Arakan which were written by others. They like to say the former democratic leaders used the a tactic by recognizing us as Rohingya and ethnic minority of Burma.

So that, we should better keep the history for past.As now, we have to consider as who will be the best for us. We have two big communities around us. The Magh and Bengali. We need to choice any of one by considering as who will be beneficial in our national survive process. For the Magh, we have got a firm resolution on what is their interest to us and what they are going to do with us along the history. Although the Maghs are unworthy to make an internal change inside Burma. So far their cooperation will not make beneficial to us.When the Magh urged us to find another territory for settlement, we have to think solemnly on this matter. The region where we are given birth and living for centuries is denying our existence. So that we have to choice the ways as:- to protect the territory where we are born and descended; So that, we should better keep the history for past.

As now, we have to consider as who will be the best for us. We have two big communities around us. The Magh and Bengali. We need to choice any of one by considering as who will be beneficial in our national survive process.

For the Magh, we have got a firm resolution on what is their interest to us and what they are going to do with us along the history. Although the Maghs are unworthy to make an internal change inside Burma. So far their cooperation will not make beneficial to us.

When the Magh urged us to find another territory for settlement, we have to think solemnly on this matter. The region where we are given birth and living for centuries is denying our existence. So that we have to choice the ways as:-

- to protect the territory where we are born and descended; or
- to abandon the living by finding a new region. For the first case, we need to struggle in every sides. No one can deny our struggling till we get our constitutional rights.If we like to avoid this tragedy then we have to choice the second method by finding a new territory for settlement. I find a new territory inside Bangladesh that is known as the Bandarban district. Ranghamatti is the best one for us. In this purpose we need to approach Bengalis for assistances. Cooperation with Bengalis will make us beneficial. We should try to get their assistances on driving out the all Maghs from that region to Burma and in new settlement of our community over there. In the history, Bengal is helpful to Arakan for many years. We also need their sympathies to solve our issue. Before we abandon, the Maghs need to prove that they are original inhabitants of Arakan. According to the Magh chronicles Arakan is an Aryan and Dravidian stock. Some Maghs claim as they are from Aryan and sometime other are from Mongoloid. It must be proved that the Maghs are Aryan. Therefore they need to have DNA test first. If they are failed then their migration into Arakan is later

- to abandon the living by finding a new region.

For the first case, we need to struggle in every sides. No one can deny our struggling till we get our constitutional rights.

If we like to avoid this tragedy then we have to choice the second method by finding a new territory for settlement.

I find a new territory inside Bangladesh that is known as the Bandarban district. Ranghamatti is the best one for us. In this purpose we need to approach Bengalis for assistances. Cooperation with Bengalis will make us beneficial. We should try to get their assistances on driving out the all Maghs from that region to Burma and in new settlement of our community over there.

In the history, Bengal is helpful to Arakan for many years. We also need their sympathies to solve our issue. Before we abandon, the Maghs need to prove that they are original inhabitants of Arakan. According to the Magh chronicles Arakan is an Aryan and Dravidian stock. Some Maghs claim as they are from Aryan and sometime other are from Mongoloid. It must be proved that the Maghs are Aryan. Therefore they need to have DNA test first. If they are failed then their migration into Arakan is later 10
th century because the Mongoloid arrived later 10th century AD. When they prove as they are Aryan, we should leave to Bangladesh and all the Maghs now settling inside Bangladesh must be moved into Burma. nI therefore like to urge all our highly educated contributors for working hard to reach our goal rather then wasting times in so-called democracy and human rights in Burma. As for me and our supporters, we are too much emotionally going to start soon the activities according to Magh and burman nepotism. Due to the situation, I like to send my comment on coming Asia forum as "it is another tragedy put off our vein internationally in front our sympathizers and supporters". If my comment is unacceptable, please study well on who are taking a part in this forum from Magh\'s side. In addition, we welcome all non Arakanese Rohingya for only their assistances in our crisis if they wish to have or if they understand what their obligation are, but reject their attempts of leadership to us. Every organization that were formed by the Rohingyas who are foreign citizens or permanent residence of a foreign country and that intended for leading us are invalid. They have no right to use the name of any legal organization that were used or are using by Arakanese Rohingya for their necessaries. ",1]

th century because the Mongoloid arrived later 10th century AD.

When they prove as they are Aryan, we should leave to Bangladesh and all the Maghs now settling inside Bangladesh must be moved into Burma.

I therefore like to urge all our highly educated contributors for working hard to reach our goal rather then wasting times in so-called democracy and human rights in Burma.

As for me and our supporters, we are too much emotionally going to start soon the activities according to Magh and burman nepotism.

Due to the situation, I like to send my comment on coming Asia forum as "it is another tragedy put off our vein internationally in front our sympathizers and supporters". If my comment is unacceptable, please study well on who are taking a part in this forum from Magh's side.

In addition, we welcome all non Arakanese Rohingya for only their assistances in our crisis if they wish to have or if they understand what their obligation are, but reject their attempts of leadership to us. Every organization that were formed by the Rohingyas who are foreign citizens or permanent residence of a foreign country and that intended for leading us are invalid. They have no right to use the name of any legal organization that were used or are using by Arakanese Rohingya for their necessaries.

Finally, I'd like to urge all our valuable contributors to send me comments on my proposal and humbly request for haven't any response to any anti-Rohingya postings. Our goal is to build a peace future for our community and not to make any quarrel with them.


With keen respect,


Ko Ko Linn (YU)

Contributor,
Free Rohingya Campaign (International

True History Discussion.

Dear Dr. Aye Chan,

Thank you very much your earliest reponse . Dear Dr Aye Chan , I repect you and please respect my voice. I am not written my own word. Please don't try like bubble. Please don't attack personally . I do hope all answer will be referenced by paper not by own. I do hope I will discuss you one by one so that we reach without any disagreement to gether.Please don't mind me I am not Historian but I am resercher.
Sincerly ,

Maung Susan

From: AYE CHAN <kzrhwee@yahoo.com>To: Maung Susan <>

Dear Maung Susan:

I am sure all the points you raised had been clear. Actually, we don't need to argue any more. I will write a paper on the "Phrases of Early Arakan. " Will you wait till then. I am very busy now. You have very little knowledge in the sources materials on Ancient Arakan and historical research methodology. There will be examinations to be held at my university in the first and second weeks of January. I have to read 12 graduation theses. I do not have time to answer all your questions this time. Mail me in the middle of January ,2006. I will respond.

Surely, the claim for the Rohingya Ethnicity is only a bubble. You can use it as political jargon for Rohingya human rights. The NGOs, UNHCR and other organizations will support you to be granted asylum in a third country.

Sincerely, Aye Chan

maungsusan@hotmail.com>, ko_linn_yu@yahoo.com, WHOISROHINGYA@yahoogroups.comSubject: Re: True History DiscussionDate: Mon, 28 Nov 2005 18:16:10 -0800 (PST)

Dear Maung Susan:
I am sure all the points you raised had been clear. Actually, we don't need to argue any more. I will write a paper on the "Phrases of Early Arakan. " Will you wait till then. I am very busy now. You have very little knowledge in the sources materials on Ancient Arakan and historical research methodology. There will be examinations to be held at my university in the first and second weeks of January. I have to read 12 graduation theses. I do not have time to answer all your questions this time.

Mail me in the middle of January ,2006. I will respond. Surely, the claim for the Rohingya Ethnicity is only a bubble. You can use it as political jargon for Rohingya human rights. The NGOs, UNHCR and other organizations will support you to be granted asylum in a third country.

Sincerely, Aye Chan

Maung Susan <maungsusan@hotmail.com> wrote:
Dear Dr.Aye Chan,May I discuss some History of ancient Arakan . I am from Arakan . My name is Maung Susan. I studied some History like researcher. I don't want dispute true history .Here some topic of "Arakan"The word Arakan is definitely of Arabic or Persian origin having the same meaning in both these languages. It is the corruption of the word Arkan plural of the word Al-Rukun. There exists some controversy about the origin of the name of ‘Arakan’ on which traditional and legendary sources differ. In fact, the name of Arakan is of much antiquity. In Ptolemy’s Geografia (150 AD) it was named ‘Argyre’. Early Buddhist missionaries called Arakan as ‘Rekkha Pura’. In the Ananda Chandra stone pillar of Chandra dynasty (8th \r\nCentury) at Shitthaung Pagoda in Mrauk-U the name of Arakan was engraved as “Arakades’s”. In a Latin Geography (1597 AD) by\r\nPeta Vino, the country was referred to as ‘Aracan’. Friar Manrique (1628-43 AD) mentions the country as ‘Aracan’ .Ref: : Amanullah, The Etymology of Arakan, THE ARAKAN, Vol.10, Issue 2, July 1997, P.4.Discussion(1) “Arakan “ is the word originally coming from Muslim . Today Rakhine people called their self “Rakhine derived from “Arakan”(2) If the History is true “ why Arakan people saying that Arakan is coming from Pali. Is that true?(3) Some Historian written that liked a legend untrue story , some people called “Beeloo” that stand for Pali word “Rakkah” . So what is Beeloo word ? Is that true ?. History is not legend.Thanks & Best Regards,MaungsusanExpress yourself ;

of the name of ‘Arakan’ on which traditional and legendary sources differ. In fact, the name of Arakan is of much antiquity. In Ptolemy’s Geografia (150 AD) it was named ‘Argyre’. Early Buddhist missionaries called Arakan as ‘Rekkha Pura’. In the Ananda Chandra stone pillar of Chandra dynasty (8th Century) at Shitthaung Pagoda in Mrauk-U the name of Arakan was engraved as “Arakades’s”. In a Latin Geography (1597 AD) by
Peta Vino, the country was referred to as ‘Aracan’. Friar Manrique (1628-43 AD) mentions the country as ‘Aracan’ .Ref: : Amanullah, The Etymology of Arakan, THE ARAKAN, Vol.10, Issue 2, July 1997, P.4.Discussion(1) “Arakan “ is the word originally coming from Muslim . Today Rakhine people called their self “Rakhine derived from “Arakan”(2) If the History is true “ why Arakan people saying that Arakan is coming from Pali. Is that true?(3) Some Historian written that liked a legend untrue story , some people called “Beeloo” that stand for Pali word “Rakkah” . So what is Beeloo word ? Is that true ?. History is not legend.

Thanks & Best Regards,

Maungsusan

My response

Dear Ko Ko Linn:

I don't know what you studied at YU. If you studied linguistics, anthropology, and history you may understand how the consonant syllables and vowel sounds are interchangeable when two or more different languages interact in the context of cultural collisions.

I explained to Kyaw Htoo Aung that the name "Roshang" was only the Bengali corruption for "Rakhine." If you study Burmese stone inscriptions the Karen people were called by the Burmese in different names, such as "Sakraw" "Zaying," and at last "Kayin". Even if the Rakhine were called "Roshang" by Bengalis in the AD sixteenth and seventeenth century it does not become an evidence that the so-called Rohingya had lived in Arakan since then. Please read "The Maghs" by Abdul Mabud Khan, a Bengali historian, Dhaka, University Press, 1999. He clearly pointed out that the Rohingyas are the Bengalis living in Arakan who like to be call by that old name "Roshang."
Aye Chan



Ko Ko Linn <ko_linn_yu@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear Dr. Chan, I have learned at YU exactly what you teach there. Don’t you remember what teach at YU?OK, let me explain like you on what I wrote in my letter. I wrote all the term that you used in your letter is refer to Arakanese. The term Rohingya is also used for Arakanese which is related to Roshang. It is not a problem for me that who used the term, but it is sure that the term Rohang is related with Roshang.

You effort is to misguide the history under the topic of a historian. Please don’t try to mix us with migrated Bengalis during the colonial period. May be our forefathers were confessed Buddhism or Hinduism on that time and later became Muslims. Not only Bengalis but also everyone surrounded Arakan use the term Magh to refer you. If you are Magh came from Magadda of India then you can claim as Rakhine or Arakanes or Roshangya or Rohingya.
We have only problem with those Mongoloid tribes who are claiming themselves as Rakhine or Arakanese. As for us, we are Aryan. Now only need to prove that who are you? Aryan? Dravidian? Or Mongoloid?

Truly! Ko Ko Linn (YU)

AYE CHAN To: Ko Ko Linn , May Yu , Free Rohingya , APUF Cc: BRG , BMG Burmese , DFB Burma , Democracy Burma , NLDmembrsnSupportersofCRPPnNLDnDASSK Date: Nov 28, 2005 6:52 AM

Subject: Re: My response

Dear Ko Ko Linn:

You wrote, "The term Rohingya is also used for Arakanese which is related to Roshang. It is not a problem for me that who used the term, but it is sure that the term Rohang is related with Roshang.h Surely it is related to Arakan and specically it refers to "Rakhine." I have explained you that it is a Bengli corruption. I don't mix up it with the Bengali emigrants in colonial period, presently the inhabitants of Buthidaung and Maungdaw. Read my paper. I classified four groups of Muslims in Arakan State.

I separate the matter of the Bengalis from former Mayu Frontier Area who want themselves to be called Rohingya. This term is nothing to do with their historical background. I refer my paper again. OK! If you studied history at YU, h ave you read Burmese chronicles? All the chronicles, Mahayazawingyi, Hmannan, Monyway Yazawin all claims that the founders of Tagaung Dynasty came from Maghda. That is because of the Indian cultural influence, they attempted to trace the Burmese kings to the Sakkya family of Buddha. It is a common phenomenon in the historiography of Theravada Southeast Asia. Who was your Southeast Asian History teacher.

Hope it is not me. The English people called them English because they believe that they descended from the Angels who came to visit the earth from haven. The French call them Anglettre. Dou you believe that legend? Mr. Ko KO Linn! Professor Qanungo who wrote the History of Chittagong is still alive and teaching at Chittagong University. Ask him. Even the Islamization of Chittagong began after the Moghal conquest of the City in AD1666. It had been a tribal area before that. You know that the peoples from Chittagong Hill Tracts, Tripura State of India, late Assam and Manipur had been inhabited by the Mongoloid peoples. Although you are not an academic, I am ready to explain you if you want to know about that problem. But Don't get exited. Don't swear me. You studied logic. Please draw a conclusion after giving valid reasonings.

Sincerely, Aye Chan

Re: BRG | 4th Anniversary | Salute for the Rohingyas who demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur!!!

Dear friends,


Don’t forget that the term Rohingya is somehow acknowledged by CRPP that comprised of NLD and U Aye Tha Aung, the secretary and prominent Rakhine leader; in a way by accepting U Kyaw Min as a member who is an MP and Rohingya. I’m dead sure it is just the matter of time to openly recognize Rohingya because they, not like us, do not have freedom.

But I do notice the century old out-dated scare tactic is still used and worked by some extreme Rakhine brothers even we are living in free world.

They are;

If anyone sympathizes or recognizes Rohingya, it is messing the Rakhine internal affair;

The Rohingya case must be left at the mercy of Rakhine alone and others are suggested not to see or hear of it, like what happended in Balkan;

If others do not comply with their demand, they would threaten to abandon the fight for freedom and democracy and give the suggestion to join the SPDC, just to crush Rohingya.


Look at the latest case in a statement issued by Arakan Youth Network Group, on Dec. 13, 2005.

A leader named Khaing Du Wan was expelled with no consideration from the central committee. Why?

The crime;

He recognizes the Rohingya.

Juatification;

Recognizing the Rohingya is flip-flopping and dismissing the glorious history of Rakhine.
It is inexcusable and traitorous crime.
He committed the big crime against the Rakhine, as a whole.

So, think about where some Rakhine still are going.

And is it justifiable for us to ignore the plight of Rohingya constantly crushed by SPDC and threatened by some Rakhine?

I don’t know the Rohingya is ethnic or not, but, I do know they have an equal right like others.

People must have a place to live with dignity. The Rohingya is the people recognized by SPDC, Bangladesh, UN and internationally.

It is quite stunning to learn that the Rohingya is not accepted by NCUB or NCUGB even though they are accepted by SPDC.


Aung Tin, Toronto

Ko Ko Linn wrote:
Dear A-A Comrade Day (or) drlawd,

Thank you very much for encouragement. It is not only a question of discrimination on religion and race but lack of support and cooperation by also all our Burmese related groups. If some of the prominent parties like NCGUB, NCUB, NLD etc. like to have a few activity by joining us then we can draw many attentions from Islamic countries including Middle-east. One we (Free Rohingya Campaign International) invited Prime Minister Dr. Sein Win to pay an officail visit to Middle-East and we also claimed responsible for every arrangement but the NCGUB never taken a consideration on it. If such kind of cooperation we can get, then we can get more supportives from Middle-east.

Regards!!

Ko Ko Linn (YU)
Free Rohingya Campaign International

drlawd wrote:
Dear Friends,I am puzzled. In the subsequent reports of this demonstration in the publications such as Khit Thit (New Era), and in Tayza's Burma Digest, the same demonstration has been credited to Burmese, to Mon, to Arakanese, and NO mention was made about Rohingya.It will be a good idea to check out the major published reports again to verify this.If indeed, Rohingyas have been left out of the report, then it is a HUGE injustice especially since those who are in Malaysian prisons face a very uncertain and terrible future. They risked they lives and should be remembered in history as heroes.The terrible pictures of POLICE BRUTALITY of the young man with long hair and black clothes being choked by the Malay Paleik has tremendous value when you make an enlargement picture and distribute it in pamphlets throughout India and Bengla and in the middle east.IS this how a Muslim Nation like Malaysia should treat a fellow Muslim brother, a Rohingya? If the Muslim world condemns America everytime an Iraqi Muslim is mistreated, THEN, the Muslim World should condemn Malaysia AND Burma for the horrible way Rohingyas are treated. I can understand why the spdc Burmese and the Arakanese Margs hate the Rohingya, ,,,,,But I cannot understand the lack of support from the Muslim World for the suffering of the Rohingya and the lack of help. A-A!Comrade Day---

In Rohingya@yahoogroups.com,

"kunyia" wrote:>> We, the Free Rohingya Campaign (International) would like to convey our > heartfelt thanks to your support .">kunyia@g...> wrote:>> We, the Free Rohingya Campaign (International) would like to convey our > heartfelt thanks to your support .

Truly,> Kunyia>

Free Rohingya Campaign (International)>

info@f...>

http://www.freerohingyacampaign.com> >

----- Original Message ----- >

From: "drlawd" ">drlawd@y...>

To: ">Rohingya@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 6:08 PM>

Subject: BRG 4th Anniversary Salute for the Rohingyas who demonstrated > in Kuala Lumpur!!!> > > >

Dear Comrades of this Rohingya Group,> > On the D4B yahoo group, I posted this short letter which follows> > below. It is to honor and salute the demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur.> >> > for a long time, I feel sad for the Rohingyas that again and again,> > the cruel spdc enemy has attacked them by robbing, torturing,> > imprisoning, killing etc. In addition, some in the Arakan community> > continue to attack the Rohingya by insulting their culture,> > questioning their history, etc.> > The recent demonstration in Malaysia is proof that the Rohingyas> > are brave enough to fight for the right. I pray that this will earn> > them the respect that they very much deserve, with the acceptance and> > alliance from all other anti-spdc groups.> >> > Ayaydawboan Aungyamyi (AA!)> > Comrade Day> >> > Comrades,> > Let us SALUTE the brave Rohingyas and their Malaysian Opposition> > friends who demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.> > Rohingyas have proved time and again that they are brave and willing> > to fight against the enemy.> > Let us welcome them as allies and condemn those who only seek to> > denigrate them.> > Remember, the enemy of our enemy is Our Friend!!!!> >> > AA,> > CD> >> > --- In Democracy_forBurma@y..., "Henry Soe-Win"> > wrote:> >> FYI:> >>> >> ----- Original Message ----- > >> From: ThaungN@a...> >> To: undisclosed-recipients:> >> Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 10:49 PM> >> Subject: Check out AOL News - Malaysian police squash human rights> > rally at East Asia> >>> >>> >> Malaysian police squash human rights rally at East Asia Summit> > venue, detain 19> >> By EILEEN NG, AP> >>> >> KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysian police squashed a> > demonstration Wednesday near the venue of the East Asia Summit,> > detaining 19 activists protesting human rights abuses at home as well> > as in Myanmar and Thailand.

Salute for the Rohingyas who demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur!!!

----- Original Message -----
From: "drlawd" <drlawd@yahoo.com>
To: <Rohingya@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 9:08 PM
Subject: BRG 4th Anniversary Salute for the Rohingyas who demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur!!!

Dear Comrades of this Rohingya Group,

On the D4B yahoo group, I posted this short letter which follows below. It is to honor and salute the demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur.

for a long time, I feel sad for the Rohingyas that again and again, the cruel spdc enemy has attacked them by robbing, torturing, imprisoning, killing etc. In addition, some in the Arakan community continue to attack the Rohingya by insulting their culture, questioning their history, etc.

The recent demonstration in Malaysia is proof that the Rohingyas are brave enough to fight for the right. I pray that this will earn them the respect that they very much deserve, with the acceptance and alliance from all other anti-spdc groups. Ayaydawboan Aungyamyi (AA!) Comrade Day Comrades, Let us SALUTE the brave Rohingyas and their Malaysian Opposition friends who demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Rohingyas have proved time and again that they are brave and willing to fight against the enemy. Let us welcome them as allies and condemn those who only seek to denigrate them. Remember, the enemy of our enemy is Our Friend!!!!

AA, CD


--- In Democracy_forBurma@yahoogroups.com.au, "Henry Soe-Win" > <arqhy11@a...> wrote:>> FYI:>> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: ThaungN@a... >> To: undisclosed-recipients: >> Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 10:49 PM>> Subject: Check out AOL News - Malaysian police squash human rights > rally at East Asia >> >> >> Malaysian police squash human rights rally at East Asia Summit > venue, detain 19>> By EILEEN NG, AP>> >> KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysian police squashed a > demonstration Wednesday near the venue of the East Asia Summit, > detaining 19 activists protesting human rights abuses at home as well > as in Myanmar and Thailand.>> > >