Activists Concerned Over Rohingya Minority Situation in Myanmar

Activists supporting Muslim minority in Myanmar are concerned about the situation in the state of Rakhine in the light of the recent attacks on security posts and the use of military forces.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The European Rohingya Council (ERC), a group of activists supporting the interests of Rohingya Muslim minority living in Myanmar's state of Rakhine, expressed concern in connection to the recent attacks in the region and the armed forces' response.

"We, the undersigned Rohingya organizations and communities worldwide are deeply concerned with the recent developments following clashes in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar on August 25, 2017," the group said on Sunday.

Its statement called on the international community to protect Rohingya civilians, adding that the Myanmar military appeared to be using "disproportionate force" against them.

The statement was signed by several other organizations from various parts of the world supporting the Rohingya minority.

More than 70 people were killed in Friday coordinated attacks on security posts in Rakhine.

The state has experienced tensions between Muslim and Buddhist communities, with attacks on security posts or military targets prompting harsh response from the country's armed forces. Many Muslim families have fled to Bangladesh and Malaysia, seeking asylum.