Myanmar: Ashin Wirathu, a Buddhist monk is responsible for igniting violence against Myanmar’s minority, Rohingya Muslims.
He led many rallies against Rohingya Muslims. Due to his ideology, thousands of Muslims were killed and lakhs became homeless.
Read also: Lord Buddha would have helped Rohingya Muslims: Dalai Lama
In an interview with media men, he said, “You cannot underestimate a snake just because there is only one and Muslims are just like that”. According to him, Muslims will outnumber Buddhist in Myanmar. He also demanded a ban on marriages between Buddhists and Muslims.
It may be mentioned that Wirathu was born near Mandalay in 1968. In 2003, he was also sentenced to 25 years in jail for his hateful speeches. However, he was released in 2012.
Who are Rohingya Muslims?
Rohingya Muslims is a minority group of Myanmar who is facing atrocities in their home land. Myanmar does not acknowledge these persecuted Rohingyas as their citizen and restricts their rights. Basic life support needs are denied to them. Myanmar considers them ‘Bengalis’ and alleges that they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. On the other hand, Bangladesh denies acknowledging them as their citizen.