5/22/22, 8:02 PM Spin, lies and social media obscure crisis in Myanmar - Asia Times This is likely a diversionary tactic, however, as Myanmar security forces had deployed a few hundred troops into the area weeks ago in response to a spike in killings of suspected government informants and the slaughter of several Mro Buddhists in the area, both the suspected work of ARSA. Military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was beseeched by Rakhine political and religious leaders to augment security in the area in response to the attacks. The ARSA spokesman also told Asia Times that the Rohingya were in “the final stage before fullfledged genocide, so we have to defend our civilian population.” A government investigation into the post-October 9 violence last year strongly denied any evidence of genocide, a view widely shared internationally. But the one-sided report also ruthlessly dismissed strong evidence of widespread sexual violence, extrajudicial killings and arson attacks in the area by security forces. The callous denial has stoked international frustration and calls for a proper outside independent investigation. These increasingly corrosive counter-narratives are obstructing not just the establishment of the facts on the ground in Rakhine State, but are shredding the potential for reconciliatory policy solutions to resolve the conflict as it quickly expands to the sum of all fears many have predicted: from grinding repression to all-out war. David Scott Mathieson is a Yangon-based independent analyst Ken Nguyen September 2, 2017 at 1:30 AM USA created ARSA! Matt Moore September 2, 2017 at 4:48 AM As far as I know, the information committee includes members from Ministries of Defence, Internal Affairs, President’s Office, State Counselor’s Office, Border Security and Foreign Affairs. The committee verify the news, events and facts with the people involved and release to the public. Some Myanmar people learned from the last year’s events and I think they are trying to counter Islamic propaganda which is taking advantage of the corrupt media. I don’t think Myanmar government is accusing anyone, but just releasing the facts. Didn’t see any condemnation, instead saw the UN World Food Program statement (https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-statement) saying that the manipulation of food assistance destined for needy families as theft. Btw, do you know where the aids come from and do you think all NGOs are perfectly neutral? Locals know them better. Do you also think all the people in UN are trustworthy? There are many Muslims e.g. UNHRC Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, and there are criticisms of being biased. Islam permits lying to deceive unbelievers and bring world domination. Muslims lie when it is in their interest to do so and “Allah” will not hold them accountable for lying when it is beneficial to the cause of Islam. They can lie without any guilt or fear of accountability or retribution. A lie in the defense of Islam is approved even applauded in their “holy” books. https://asiatimes.com/2017/09/spin-lies-social-media-obscure-crisis-myanmar/ 6/9