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“The Rohingyas of Arakan and their quest for justice” was written by AFK Jilani in December 1999. It is originally intended to write with a view to give light on the history of Rohingya and other indigenous races of the Union of Burma not only because of the distorted facts and machination made by some writers, who were instrumental during the reign of military rulers but also because no adequate research has been made on the back ground of this particular race. Once a distortion or hypothesis is accepted without sufficient ground or due to lack of strong argument from any side, it later becomes a history. It is, for this reason felt that such a book on Rohingya is needed for the historians, researchers and interested quarters. It is hoped that the book would help uncover the truth and dispel misunderstanding that earlier took in those interested to know on Rohingya and Arakan.
What has been happening in the Union of Burma under the military rule is beyond one’s belief. Denying rights of ethnic minorities is well practiced. And above all, the junta has been obliterating the history of once glorious people. Historical establishments, antiques, monument sites, etc. were destroyed. The ethnicity of Rohingya in Arakan has been questioned. The general populace in Burma has been led to believe that the Rohingyas, who resembles the Bengalees are aliens while the people have still the memory of how the Rohingya was treated as an indigenous race, their language broadcast in the BSS and their culture promoted during of the democratic rule in Burma.
It is the right of a distinct group to live in their own place, uphold their culture and practice religion of their own freely. Depending on the extent of civilisation and environment and in course of time, many changes take place within and around. And it is no exception in Burma. The ethnic Ta Line has become Mon, Taung Thus is now Pa-oh, Karenni is known as Kaya, Shan Taroke as Kokan, etc. It is, thus, not unfair to call the Muslims of Arakan as Rohingyas as they like to be called so. Infact, Rohingya is not a new name nor it is invented or adopted, as some Burmese ultra-nationalists do prefer to brand. ‘Rohingya’ is a historical name based on replete historical back grounds. While changes of names of cities from Akyab to Sittwe, Rangoon to Yangon, Arakan to Rakhine, Burma to Myanmar, etc. have recently been made, the centuries old name of ethnic Rohingya has however, been branded as a name created by anti-state elements in post-independent Burma. It simply gives a grim picture on the status of the Rohingya race. Thus, it is the historical duty of Rohingya to face the challenge to restore their lost glory and civilisation.
