History of Rohingya in Arakan States | Halek Hossain

 

The Rohingya people, an ethnic group primarily found in Myanmar (formerly Burma), have a long, complex history shaped by migration, conflict, and displacement. While they trace their origins back centuries in the region, the Rohingya have faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and acceptance, leading to cycles of displacement and humanitarian crises. Below is an overview of their history and the factors shaping their identity and plight.

Early History and Origins

The Rohingya people’s roots in Myanmar can be traced back to the Arakan region (modern-day Rakhine State) along the Bay of Bengal. Evidence suggests that Arab traders brought Islam to the area as early as the 8th century, and the Rohingya emerged as a distinct Muslim ethnic group. The Kingdom of Arakan, which ruled from the 14th to the 18th centuries, was culturally diverse, with influences from both South and Southeast Asia.

Throughout history, Rakhine has been a melting pot of ethnicities and religions. However, Rohingya Muslims became a majority in the northern part of the region, while the majority of the broader Rakhine population remained Buddhist. This ethnic and religious division laid the groundwork for tensions between communities in the area.

British Colonial Era and Migration

The dynamics in Rakhine changed significantly during British colonial rule, which began in 1824 after the First Anglo-Burmese War. British policies encouraged the migration of laborers from Bengal (modern-day Bangladesh) to work in agricultural and construction projects in Myanmar, particularly in the fertile Arakan region. This migration increased the Muslim population in Rakhine, heightening tensions with local Buddhist communities.

Under British rule, the Rohingya often had better opportunities and status, leading to resentment among the Rakhine Buddhists. When Myanmar (then Burma) gained independence in 1948, ethnic and religious divisions were already deeply ingrained, and the new government viewed the Rohingya as foreigners or illegal immigrants, despite their centuries-long presence in the region.

Post-Independence Struggles and Identity Crisis

In the post-independence period, Myanmar’s government did not recognize the Rohingya as one of the country’s 135 official ethnic groups, denying them citizenship and many basic rights. As a result, they became stateless, unable to access education, healthcare, or employment opportunities. Myanmar’s 1982 Citizenship Law excluded the Rohingya, further entrenching their status as a marginalized and stateless community.

Efforts by the Rohingya to gain citizenship and recognition faced hostility, and they were perceived by the government and nationalist groups as a threat to Burmese and Buddhist identity. This tension has led to waves of violence and oppression over the years.

Waves of Displacement and Violence

Over the decades, several large-scale crackdowns have forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar, primarily to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, and other neighboring countries. The most significant waves of displacement include:

1978 Operation King Dragon: A military campaign aimed at rooting out “illegal immigrants,” leading to widespread violence against the Rohingya and displacing over 200,000 people.

1991-1992 Crackdowns: Another wave of forced displacement, with an estimated 250,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh to escape military operations.

2012 Rakhine State Riots: Communal violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims resulted in significant deaths, injuries, and mass displacement of the Rohingya within Rakhine.

2016 and 2017 Military Crackdowns: Following attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on Myanmar security posts, the military launched a brutal crackdown that the United Nations described as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” Over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, where many remain in refugee camps today.

Life in Refugee Camps and Statelessness

In Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees live in extremely challenging conditions in massive camps, such as Kutupalong, which is one of the largest refugee camps in the world. The refugees face issues such as overcrowding, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and limited educational opportunities. While Bangladesh has provided refuge, it does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens, and they remain stateless, lacking the rights and protections of citizenship.

Life in exile has also been difficult for those Rohingya who fled to Malaysia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. These countries often do not officially recognize the Rohingya as refugees, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and precarious living conditions.

Efforts Toward Justice and Accountability

The Rohingya crisis has garnered international attention, with calls for accountability and justice. In 2019, The Gambia filed a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide against the Rohingya. Although the legal proceedings are ongoing, this case has shed light on the Rohingya’s plight and brought global pressure on Myanmar.

Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented and condemned the atrocities committed against the Rohingya. The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but so far, efforts to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya to Myanmar have faced significant obstacles.

Current Status and the Future

The Rohingya people continue to face uncertain futures, whether in refugee camps or within Myanmar, where they still experience persecution and denial of basic rights. Myanmar’s political landscape remains unstable following a military coup in 2021, making it unlikely that the Rohingya will receive citizenship or recognition in the near future.

Despite these challenges, the Rohingya have shown remarkable resilience. Community leaders, activists, and organizations within the diaspora work tirelessly to advocate for their people, preserving their culture, language, and identity. International support and attention remain crucial to finding a lasting solution to their statelessness and ongoing persecution.

Conclusion

The history of the Rohingya is one marked by endurance amid adversity. From their origins in Rakhine State to their present-day displacement, the Rohingya's struggle highlights the challenges of statelessness and the consequences of ethnic and religious discrimination. A resolution to their plight requires sustained international support, accountability for human rights abuses, and, ultimately, a pathway for the Rohingya to live in dignity, safety, and peace.