Violence Against Muslims Spreads Toward Burmese Capital

As feared, mobs hunting down unarmed Muslims have spread from the central Burmese town of Meiktila further south, near the country’s capital of Naypyidaw.

At least 65 houses and masjids were burned down by extremist Buddhists in Yemethin Township, which is about 25 miles south of Meiktila.

Although a state of emergency was declared in that town, other towns have not been afforded military support. Police and military officials were also very slow to act in the initial violence, letting it carry on for 3 days in the garrison town of Meiktila.

Violence and arson were also reported in Lewe and Okpo, which is very close to Yangon, the country’s largest city.

At least 32 are reported dead; however, that number is largely much higher, as the Burmese government maintains tight control over any public information. The majority of those dead are Muslim.

Extremist Buddhists – some of them monks – were seen with swords and machetes, on the hunt for unarmed Muslims. Just in the last four days 18 masjids have been destroyed and the whole neighborhoods of Muslim communities have been burned to ashes. 

At least 10,000 are in hiding, finding shelter where they can.

5 Urgent Actions Needed 

1. Pray for the victims in Burma and pray that the extremist Buddhists taking part in this violence will be guided to be just.
2. Call President Obama at the White House and urge him to take immediate action. He needs to speak to Burmese President TheinSein and tell him that he has a responsibility to safeguard ALL Burmese citizens. (202) 456-1111.
3. Call Secretary of State John Kerry and tell him he must make the same calls to the Burmese President. Call (202) 647-5291, then press Option #1 and then Option #8.
4. Announce in your masjid for people to make phone calls
5. Circulate this alert through your personal or community list.

Make a Phone Call TODAY  

The violence has already started to spread, and Muslims are already being targeted throughout Burma. If America doesn’t act soon, Muslims will continue to be massacred!

Request Our Literature!

If you’re interested in requesting pamphlets to put up in your local masjid or community center, send an email to info@burmamuslims.org. We have already sent out a number of pamphlets to communities that have requested them. The pamphlet includes information on what is going on in Burma, what the Burma Task Force is doing and action you can take, such as signing petitions and making phone calls to ambassadors. 

BURMA TASK FORCE  COALITION PARTNERS