To Pressure the Myanmar Military Junta to Stop Islamophobic Activities of Ma Ba Tha and Military Cyber-Troopers
A Divided but Worried Muslim Voice from Myanmar
As Muslims of Myanmar, we are once again living through a dangerous repetition of history. What happened between 2011–2016 is now returning in almost the same pattern:
- First, state-backed propaganda and hate speech, targeting Muslims and spreading Islamophobia through Ma Ba Tha networks and military cyber-troopers.
- Next, these words of hate turn into organised violence, atrocities, and genocidal acts.
Previously, the Junta and USDP spread fear of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD, and Islamophobia was weaponised to distract and divide. Now, the same tactic is being used again — the Junta, threatened by the Spring Revolution and the rise of the Arakan Army (AA), is unleashing Islamophobic hate campaigns to scapegoat Muslims.
Among Muslims themselves, we are deeply worried — but also divided on how to respond. Some speak of harder approaches, some prefer moderation, and some even advocate silence for survival. But most of us agree on one principle: we must not give any support — financial, moral, or physical — to extremist elements that may push our community towards terrorism. Such a path would only destroy global sympathy and risk turning even our Buddhist and Christian friends against us.
We also reject the idea of “revenge reporting” against illegal monasteries, illegal monks, or illegal workers of other ethnicities. Retaliation will not help. We respect our Buddhist friends and many monks who are innocent; our struggle is not against them. We seek friendship, not enmity.
Still, silence cannot protect us. The situation is worsening day by day. Therefore, we urgently appeal for the support of our Buddhist and Christian brothers and sisters, both inside Myanmar and abroad. We ask you to stand with us, amplify our voices, and join in demanding equal protection and citizenship rights for Muslims of Myanmar, including the Rohingya.
This is not only a Muslim issue. It is a human issue, a justice issue, and a peace issue.
Formal Letter of Demand (Legal Position)
Date: [Insert date]
To:
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Commander-in-Chief
State Administration Council (Military Junta)
Naypyidaw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar
From:
[Name / Organisation — e.g., Coalition for the Protection of Muslims of Myanmar]
Contact: [email / phone]
RE: Immediate cessation of Islamophobic hate speech and protection of all Muslims in Myanmar — demand for remedial and prosecutorial action within seven (7) days
1. Introduction and Purpose
We represent (or speak on behalf of) Muslim communities of Myanmar — including Rohingya, Rakhine Muslims, and other Muslim minorities — and our international partners. This letter constitutes a formal demand that the State Administration Council immediately take effective measures to halt and prevent organised Islamophobic activities, hate speech, and related intimidation currently being disseminated and incited by extremist groups and by organised networks (including monastic actors, civilian “patriot” groups often associated with Ma Ba Tha networks, and military-aligned cyber units) which target Muslims in Myanmar.
2. Summary of Demands
Within seven (7) days from the date of this letter, the Junta must:
a. Issue a public, enforceable directive ordering an immediate end to anti-Muslim and anti-Rohingya hate speech by all public figures, monks, organisations (including Ma Ba Tha affiliates), and military/civil servants;
b. Deploy effective protective measures in affected townships and communities (security and humanitarian access), including immediate protection of places of worship and settlements under threat;
c. Investigate, arrest and initiate prosecutions of persons credibly suspected of incitement to hatred that risks violence or amounts to aiding or facilitating atrocity crimes; and
d. Provide monthly public reporting (for three months) to demonstrate implementation, with contact information for independent monitoring (UN / OHCHR / credible NGOs).
3. Legal Basis
- Duty to Protect: As a State party to the Genocide Convention, Myanmar has an international legal obligation to prevent atrocity crimes and protect its population. Failure to do so amounts to breach of treaty obligations.
- Hate Speech as Incitement: Systematic hate speech in Myanmar has historically fuelled atrocities against Muslims, notably the Rohingya. Failure to curb or prosecute such speech is an omission that may constitute complicity in atrocity crimes.
- Command Responsibility: Senior leaders may be held criminally responsible where they knew or should have known of crimes and failed to prevent or punish them. International accountability mechanisms (ICC, IIMM, ICJ) are already examining Myanmar’s conduct.
4. Required Steps & Time Limit
The State Administration Council must act within seven (7) calendar days:
a. Public Order: Publish and enforce a directive prohibiting hate speech and incitement against Muslims.
b. Protection: Provide security and humanitarian protection to vulnerable Muslim communities.
c. Accountability: Investigate, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators of incitement and violence.
d. Monitoring: Allow UN and international access for independent monitoring.
5. Consequences of Failure
If the Junta fails to act within seven (7) days:
- We will submit urgent complaints to the UN, OIC, USA, EU, UK, Australia and others, seeking R2P measures, targeted sanctions, and international accountability.
- We will submit evidence of command responsibility and omission to the ICC, IIMM and ICJ.
- We will call for public naming, sanctions, and restrictions on individuals and organisations involved in Islamophobic campaigns.
6. Good Faith Offer
This letter is sent in good faith. If the State Administration Council takes immediate and verifiable steps, we will suspend escalation and engage constructively.
Signed,
[Name]
[Organisation / Coalition]
[Signature]
Please read the above song (lyric) in Wikipedia...
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
