In a bold declaration of unity and resolve, Rohingya leaders announced their commitment to reclaiming their homeland in Arakan, Myanmar. Speaking to a crowd of 18,000 to 20,000 gathered at a grand rally organized by the Rohingya National Defense Alliance (RNDA) on Wednesday (December 25), leaders called for an end to internal conflicts and a renewed focus on liberation.

The rally, held at the Mofis football field in Rohingya Camp-1 West, Ukhia, marked a turning point for the Rohingya community. Attendees included Mufti Ulama-e-Ekram, students, youth, and ordinary Rohingyas from camps in the Ukhia-Teknaf region.

"No More Blood in Camps; Blood for Arakan"

Rohingya leader Maulvi Rahmat Karim set the tone with a stirring speech: “We, the Rohingya nation, will sacrifice our blood for the independence of our land. We will have to go back to Arakan and liberate it with our blood, we will do it.”

Chief guest and RNDA leader Dil Mohammad echoed this sentiment, urging unity among all factions of the Rohingya community. “We have forgotten past conflicts to act in the greatest interest of the Rohingya nation. We cannot live forever as refugees in another country. It is time to organize and return to our homeland,” he declared.

The rally’s central message was clear- the Rohingya people must prepare for their eventual repatriation to Myanmar. Leaders emphasized the need for peace and unity within the camps to build momentum for their collective struggle.

“We once had homes, property, and an identity. The Myanmar junta deprived us of civil rights, destroyed our villages, and forced us into exile in 2017. We must now reclaim what is rightfully ours,” Dil Mohammad said. The speakers highlighted plans for step-by-step initiatives to unite the community and ensure a peaceful return to Rakhine.

Prominent leaders, including Master Ayub, Abu Alam, Maulana Abdul Rahim, Maulana Zubair Ahmed, Anwar Sadeq, and Master Mujib, addressed the gathering. They called on the Rohingya to maintain peace and order within the camps as they prepared for repatriation.

The event, presided over by Maulana Zubair Ahmed with Maulana Rahmat Karim as the keynote speaker, concluded peacefully. Ukhia-14 Armed Police Battalion Commander (Additional DIG) Md. Siraj Amin confirmed the rally’s orderly conduct, noting there were no untoward incidents.

This unprecedented show of unity among Rohingya leaders underscores their determination to return to Arakan and reclaim their homeland. As the Rohingya community takes steps toward repatriation, their resolve sends a strong message of hope and resilience to the international community.

BOB Post