India Today TV releases video of Rohingya ‘militants’ pledging fresh round of attacks

News Hour:

Over half a million Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh and some have crossed over to India through a porous border since August 25.

India Today TV claims to have gained access to an exclusive video where armed Rohingya extremists can be seen threatening a major attack soon.

The clip shows numerous armed militants walking throughout forested terrains around their hideouts in Myanmar, shouting slogans and repeating what their leader is saying.

The  video shot in an undisclosed location in Myanmar showcases the high-end arms and ammunition these militants have at their disposal, reports India Today TV.

Over half a million Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh and some have crossed into India since August 25, after the Myanmar military crackdown in Rakhine State, an exodus that has spiralled into one of world’s most urgent humanitarian and refugee crisis.

The militants in the video are said to be Arakan militants, responsible for the attack on police posts in Myanmar that led to the military crackdown in Rakhine State. The Myanmar government declared the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) to be a terrorist organisation after they claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has faced harsh criticism from in the international community  for not doing enough to stop the violence, although a military-drafted constitution gives her no power over the security forces. The extremists have now started taking cover at various locations and then using the advantage of porous borders to sneak into neighbouring countries.

An ARSA commander, however, in an exclusive interview with the Dhaka Tribune, claimed his outfit was not a terrorist organisation. ARSA claims  to be fighting on behalf of the million Rohingya living in virtual detention in, with few if any rights according to Myanmar’s government. The group is believed to have been founded by a Rohingya named Ataullah, born in Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia.

This article has been posted by a News Hour Correspondent. For queries, please contact through [email protected]
No Comments