Burma forms commission to investigate Rakhine State unrest

8/20/2012

The Burmese government has formed a 27-member commission including political party leaders, former political prisoners, opposition leaders, Muslim and Buddhists religious leaders and others to recommend short and long-term solutions to the community unrest in Rakhine State.

Observers said the commission appeared to represent a wide spectrum of Burmese society.

The group is charged with determining the circumstances behind the unrest and recommending short and long-term strategies to overcome the community tensions and mistrust, which have led to violent clashes and the death of at least 87 people, prompting international calls for a credible investigation.

Dr. Myo Myint, a retired director general of Religious Affairs, will direct the commission comprised of six representatives from Muslim associations, two Christian clerics, a representative of a Hindu association and leaders of five political parties including two Rakhine political parties.

The commission includes prominent former political prisoners, a leader of the 88-student group, the well-known entertainer, Zarganar, a former UN officer, and representatives from ethnic political parties.

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Mizzima