Fact Check: Both the Rohingya and Rakhine are Indigenous to Arakan
What We Know
The claim that both the Rohingya and Rakhine are indigenous to Arakan (now Rakhine State in Myanmar) is rooted in a complex historical context. The Rohingya are described as a stateless Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group primarily following Islam, who assert their heritage in the region for over a millennium, influenced by various cultures including Arabs and Mughals (Wikipedia). They maintain that they are indigenous to western Myanmar, with historical ties dating back to precolonial times (Wikipedia, Burmese Rohingya Community of GA). Conversely, the Rakhine people, who are predominantly Buddhist, also claim indigenous status in the region, asserting that they have been present since the establishment of the Arakan Kingdom, which existed independently until the late 18th century (Burmese Rohingya Community of GA, Rohingya Culture Center).
The Myanmar government disputes the Rohingya's claims of indigeneity, labeling them as migrants from Chittagong, Bangladesh, and denying their historical ties to the region. This narrative has been used to justify their exclusion from citizenship and other rights under the 1982 Myanmar nationality law (Wikipedia, Burmese Rohingya Community of GA).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claims of indigeneity for both groups is contentious and heavily influenced by political narratives. The Rohingya community argues that their presence in Arakan predates the arrival of the Rakhine people, who migrated from central Burma around the 10th century AD (Burmese Rohingya Community of GA). However, the Rakhine people assert that they are the original inhabitants of the region, with their culture and identity deeply intertwined with the history of Arakan (Rohingya Culture Center, Burmese Rohingya Community of GA).
The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. Wikipedia provides a broad overview but can be subject to bias and inaccuracies due to its open-editing nature. The Rohingya Culture Center and the Burmese Rohingya Community of GA present narratives that support the Rohingya's claims, which may reflect a specific political agenda. Conversely, the Myanmar government's stance is documented in various reports but is often criticized for lacking objectivity and being influenced by nationalistic sentiments (Wikipedia, Burmese Rohingya Community of GA).
The historical context is further complicated by the lack of consensus on terminology and identity, with the term "Rohingya" itself being a point of contention. While some sources assert that the term has been used historically, others suggest it gained prominence as a political identity in more recent decades (Wikipedia, Burmese Rohingya Community of GA).
Conclusion
The claim that both the Rohingya and Rakhine are indigenous to Arakan is Partially True. While both groups have historical ties to the region, the narratives surrounding their indigeneity are heavily influenced by political contexts and differing interpretations of history. The Rohingya assert their long-standing presence and cultural heritage, while the Rakhine maintain their claim as the original inhabitants of Arakan. The complexities of identity, historical migration, and political narratives make it difficult to definitively categorize either group as solely indigenous without acknowledging the other's claims.
