The current "Rohingya/Bengali" conflict in Burma does have very complex political and historical roots from the time of Burma gaining independence in 1948. Problem for that "Rohingya/Bengali" community was compounded in 1971 break-up of the then old East Pakistan into Bangladesh. That time, diplomatic notes indicated up to 500,000-800,000 East Pakistanis war refugees (Bengali/Pashtoon tribes) overflowed into Northern Arakan where current "Rohingya/Bengali" community (legitimate Burma residents).

With regards to the 1978 Operation Dragon King, there were a lot to learn about what happened to those who fled Burma. With all probability, ordinary people like Ulla Meah might have been heading back to Arakan when the dust had settled. However, Mr. Sultan Ahmed, the President of Jamiatul-Ulema, former MP and Parliamentary Secretary during AFPFL era, stayed on exile and died of old age in Bangladesh. Sultan Ahmed was already in his 80s when he fled Burma; why had he choose to flee Bangladesh? Was there any threat on him -- direct or implied? We would have no way of knowing.

Following Bangkok post article is saying the Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will be attending regional forum tackling "human trafficking". Recent finding of a mass grave for human trafficking victims, governments in the region are in alert about unregulated movement of people, especially Rohingya refugee and all those in migratory movements. Though on the surface, there is nothing wrong about convening such regional forum, current Australian Liberal/Coalition Government's involvement should have to be noted with caution and due skepticism.

Following article is the response, or a declaration rather, of The Rights Honourable U Shwe Maung, the MP elect of Buthidaung Township in Rakhine State, about which the Burmese Government's recent controversial move to take back the "White Cards" or "Temporary Registration Cards (TRCs)" from the section of Rohingya/Bengali community. As we all know, there had been a mass exodus of Rohingya/Bengali from Rakhine state in 1992 under the late General Saw Maung's military government. The returnees from this exodus were being issued with TRCs at the request of UNHCR in 1995.

There have been frequent charges by Arakanese politicians as well as those within community that the stateless Rohingya/Bengali as 'illegals'. The perception or source of "illegal" labeling may have had some underlying historical reasons, rather than that of racially motivated vilification. Having said that, the word "illegals" is rather detrimental effect on the stateless Rohingya/Bengalis. In any case, the origin of such perception, or the roots of statelessness, may have had the beginning at Burma's independence in 1948.