Is there any place in the world where a Muslim minority of any significant size coexists peacefully with its non-Muslim neighbors? And why is it forbidden to ask this question and investigate its answer in Islamic theology and law?
“60 Muslims arrested in Rakhine State,” from Mizzima News, June 22 (thanks to Twostellas):
Burmese security forces have arrested 60 people following the latest round of violence between Buddhists and Muslims in western Rakhine state, Radio Free Asia (RFA) said in an article on Thursday.
The arrest came after security forces investigated the deaths of 12 people on Tuesday in Yathetaung Township, said an official and local residents.
Those arrested were sent to the state capital of Sittwe, said RFA.
Hla Myint, the Yathetaung Rakhine Nationalities Development Party chairman, confirmed the arrests, saying the 60 were taken in after police and military security found bodies buried in Anautpyin village and questioned local people.
“Sixty of those who killed and buried [the victims] were arrested and sent to Sittwe today,” he told RFA.
The clashes broke out between Rohingya Muslim villagers from Anautpyin and Rakhine Buddhist villagers from Kutaung early Tuesday morning after several days of relative calm in the region. Sectarian violence has erupted in different townships since May 28.. [sic]
Mizzima reported on Monday that 22 rioters were arrested over the weekend, according to state-run media.
The arrests came as authorities patrolled Chienkhali village to maintain stability, said the New Light of Myanmar. Those arrested carried knives, rods and sharpened sticks, police said.