Myanmar Military Junta is the wolf keep on repeatedly trying to find fault with the Muslim lamb

Translation of U Aung Tin’s Post and added the answer, comment as what should we do by Dr Ko Ko Gyi @ Abdul Rahman Zafrudin.

Did the wave of nationwide anti-Muslim violence that began in Meiktila in March 2013 happen because Muslims insulted Buddhism? Or because the government systematically incited and protected the perpetrators?

Did the wave of nationwide anti-Muslim violence that began in Meiktila in March 2013 happen because Muslims lacked discretion in speech, because they failed to behave properly, or because they insulted Buddhism?
Or did it happen because the government systematically incited and protected the perpetrators?

More than twelve years earlier, during the Thida Htwe affair, there had already been organized agitation led by Dr. Aye Maung, large amount of NLD members even participated (Min Ko Naing, U Win Thein and others acknowledged this, while Daw Suu pretended not to know), and enthusiastic support, encouragement, and sponsorship from the military regime.

Because of this collusion, Muslims in Taungkok were openly hunted down and killed in broad daylight. Not long after, starting from Meiktila, Muslims across the country faced coordinated mob attacks: electricity was cut, phone lines shut, long convoys of vehicles poured in with the signal of whistles, to loot, burn, destroy, and kill freely, and then departed with the signal of whistles again and loudspeaker announcements. Only then did electricity and phone lines return. These were Min Ko Naing’s very own words. (Note: this happened in Garrison Military town of Meiktila with military installations, which includes training schools, supply depots, and airbases in addition to about FIFTY Military HQs or command center or bases of Light Infantry Divisions.)

At that time, when Rohingya (and later Kaman and Mrauk-U Muslims) were being targeted—burned, killed, and expelled in large numbers—the Rakhine and Burman extremists told the rest of Myanmar’s Muslims:
“We are only expelling illegal intruders. You, town Muslims are not included. You too must join us in opposing these intruders.”
The same message and threats were given to the Kaman.

Because of this, some Muslims and Kaman—who lacked awareness and political understanding—went along with the extremists, denouncing the Rohingya as “illegal Bengalis” and opposing them actively. (Just as NUG Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye later apologized for having insulted the Rohingya, these Muslims too should have the courage to apologize. They ought to show as much courage as Dr. Win Myat Aye.)

At that time, it was clearly a trap. I myself warned against joining or supporting the extremists. Yet many accused me:
“We must oppose and expel the foreign Bengali intruders. You live abroad, ignorant of the realities, and you talk irresponsibly.”
They insulted and cursed me. But when the violence spread nationwide from Meiktila, those same ignorant accusers vanished like frightened chickens—afraid to speak online, afraid even to step outside their houses.

Later, it was not only Muslims who were attacked, but also Kaman and Mrauk-U people who faced brutal violence.

Now again, history is about to repeat itself. As usual, I am insulted for giving warnings.

As usual, I am already facing curses from some fellow Muslims.

So what should we Muslims do?

Yes—we must be mindful in our behavior, we must be careful with our speech. That is true.
But how can a lamb avoid the wolves that are determined to find fault and pick a fight no matter what?

Back in 2013, when nationwide anti-Muslim violence was raging, in the small town of Oakkan, a schoolgirl accidentally brushed a monk’s shoulder with her bicycle. It was clearly unintentional, and the monk himself made no issue of it. But the wolves looking for fault turned it into a great “religious insult.” The entire town of Oakkan’s Muslims and mosques were then attacked, looted, and beaten.

So I ask again:

Did the nationwide anti-Muslim violence beginning in Meiktila in March 2013 happen because Muslims lacked restraint in speech, in conduct, or because they insulted Buddhism?
Or did it happen because the government deliberately incited it and protected the perpetrators? Answer that.

Therefore, instead of blaming each other, let us clearly recognize: no matter how cautious we are in our conduct or speech, if the military regime wants to attack Muslims, they can do so at any time.

Yes—be more mindful than ever in your conduct and speech.
Avoid places where danger may arise.
If you cannot give a warning, then remain silent.
If you are afraid, keep quiet. I deeply understand the fear of those who live in risky places.

But please—do not make enemies of those who, out of conscience, give warnings even if it makes them unpopular.

I asked for the answers: But how can a lamb avoid the wolves that are determined to find fault and pick a fight no matter what?

A person likened to a “lamb” can protect themselves from those who constantly find fault by setting firm boundaries, disengaging from the conflict, and recognizing that the other person’s behavior is about their own issues, not the “lamb’s”

A literal lamb’s best defenses are running away and relying on the flock, which in a human context means seeking distance and a support system.

Understand the “wolf’s” motives

People like Ma Ba Tha and lapdogs of Myanmar Military and USDP, who constantly find fault and pick fights often do so for psychological reasons that have little to do with you. 

  • Insecurity: They may feel the need to criticize others to boost their own fragile ego, image to win over hearts and minds of majority Bama Buddhists, so that they could continue to rule over Myanmar for a long time.
  • Need for control: They may use blame and manipulation to feel powerful in a situation.
  • Unresolved issues: Their aggressive or critical behavior could be a way of projecting their own anger or frustration. 

Muslims of Myanmar need to Set and maintain clear boundaries

Boundaries are the most powerful tool for protecting yourself from manipulative and aggressive people. By consistently holding your ground, you signal what behavior you will and will not accept. 

  • State your limits directly: Clearly communicate what you will not tolerate. For example, “I will not be spoken to in that tone” or “I’m happy to continue this discussion when you are calm”.
  • Be assertive, not aggressive: Use “I” statements to express your feelings calmly, which avoids escalating the conflict. For example, say “I feel disrespected when my opinions are ignored” instead of “You always ignore what I say”.
  • Enforce consequences: If someone crosses a boundary, follow through on your stated consequence. This could mean ending the conversation, limiting contact, or physically removing yourself from the situation. 
  • Note: My late brother Maung Maung Shwe Keraweik told me that, Mandalay Muslims spread words that if they and their houses were attacked: they have cars filled with Petrol jarricans, which they would drive into homes of OTHERS like HUGE Molotov cocktail Petrol bombs and burn down the whole city. This scared off the Military Government.
  • And he continued that in Meiktila also, after about 200 Muslims were killed, Muslims attacked back, sometimes even driving the big lorries into the Buddhist Rioters, killing back about 400 of them, scared off the USDP, NLD and Ma Ba Tha combined agitators.
  • And take notice that because of Maung Tun Kin and Ro Nay San Lwin’s actions of trying to prosecute AA leaders, now a days AA leaders have changed their treatment and behaviour on Rohingyas.

Refuse to engage in their drama

Wolves feed on attention and emotional reactions. The best way to avoid a fight is to not take the bait. 

  • Don’t take it personally: Understand that the fault-finder’s behavior is about them, not you. This helps you stay calm and prevents you from getting sucked into an emotional conflict.
  • Keep responses brief and factual: Provide minimal information to limit their ammunition. Avoid getting defensive or justifying yourself, as this can give them more material to attack.
  • Use the “gray rock” method: If limiting contact isn’t possible, such as with a co-worker or family member, make yourself as uninteresting as a gray rock. By being calm, boring, and unresponsive, you deny them the drama they crave.
  • Know when to walk away: If a conversation is escalating, end it. Say, “I’m not going to continue this conversation right now,” and leave. 

Build a strong support network

Just as sheep rely on their flock and guard dogs for protection, you can build a network of trusted people to support you. 

  • Talk to trusted allies: Confide in friends, family, or mentors who can provide an outside perspective. They can help you validate your feelings and see manipulative patterns clearly.
  • Seek professional guidance: A therapist or counselor can help you develop strategies for dealing with difficult people and healing from the emotional toll of their behavior.
  • Prioritize self-care: Protect your mental health with practices like exercise, meditation, or hobbies. When you feel strong and grounded, you are more resilient to the attacks of others. 
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Rabindranath Tagore ရာဘင်ဒြာ နတ် တဂိုး

Great Bangalis