Forward

There is a new trend concerning the so-called Rohingya. This trend, fashioned by some Islamic radicals after Burma's independence, his been problematic, and a grave concern for (a) the Arakanese, (b) the people of Burma and (c) historians and scholars. A proper understanding of the importance and nature of illegal Muslim immigrant flow is crucial to comprehensively address the imperative issue of development contest. Rohingya movements have been accompanied by certain dangers and challenges, particularly for the Arakan State and beyond. In response to this problematic challenge, this book was written by leading historians who focused on the central importance of origin, growth and historical development of and the unproductive adventures of, illegal Bengali Muslims who desperately needed to be recognized as having a racial distinct identity in Burma. These collective contributions resulted in a comprehensive analysis of illegal Muslim immigrant issues within the development contest. With contributions from two leading Arakanese intellectuals, this work provides readers not only with exclusive historical facts but also coherent conclusions. Their presentations adequately cover the interlocking themes of illegal Muslim immigrants who irreverently claim themselves as Rohingyas in Burma, and that claim's impact in the region. Also covered is how these
claims affect historical write-ups by governments, international organizations, academics, researchers, and practitioners, write-ups, which often go awry.
U Shwe Zan, who published a member of books on Arakan, has extensive experiences in immigrant issues as a result of his long-term service as immigration officer in Arakan State. He examines the historical facts with an insightful and innovative analysis about Muslim infiltration into Arakan State. With ample background documentation, Professor Dr. Aye Chan provides an all-inclusive analysis of
illegal Bengali problems by re-examining the ethnicity of the so-called Rohingyas, and tracing their history back to the earliest presence of their ancestors in Arakan. Both of their clued-up ventures offers a wealth of information, data, advice, and issues to consider, along with a means to address them, based on experiences and historical analysis relating to unlawful migration flows in Arakan. Their extensive works
leave no stoned unturned in their efforts to give comprehensive historical analysis of illegal Bengali Muslims who cogently drum up popular support in advancing the demand for legitimacy of their racial identity in Burma. I hope this collective contribution will give both a broader understanding of so-called Rohingya issues and practical measures to address challenges of the future. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to both contributors whose scholastic works are credibly expected to give appropriate answers to all, particularly to moderate Muslim who cherish peaceful co-existence in Burma.

Dr. Ashin Nayaka
Visiting Scholar
Department of History
Columbia University, New York