France 24 exclusive report : Our Burmese Observers describe clashes between Buddhists and a Muslim minority

This past week, the Rohingya have increasingly been denounced as “illegal immigrants”, “invaders” and “terrorists”, both online and across Burma. In the largest city, Yangon, hundreds of Rakhine held a protest on Monday asking for an end to the violence and for the “removal of Bengali terrorists.” Meanwhile, the New Light of Myanmar, a state-run newspaper, has appealed for calm and unity.

"At this point, I believe the goal of the local Rhakine people, backed by the authorities, is to either chase us out, or kill us" said a man living in Maungdaw.

"I think this conflict was started by a few Rohingya people, and that not all are to blame. Those who are peaceful should be allowed to stay, and maybe even get citizenship – but not those who are attacking local residents. The Burmese government should consider taking action on illegal migrants, because there are so many Rohingya here in Rakhine state, and they have not assimilated. Most of them cannot even speak the local language or Burmese" told a reporter.

2012.06.16 France24 Violent-clashes