Myanmar to set up independent inquiry commission on Rakhine issue

Yangon, June 1 (IANS) Myanmar has decided to establish an independent commission of inquiry as part of its initiative to achieve reconciliation, peace and development in the western state of Rakhine, according to an announcement by the President's Office.

The independent commission will investigate the violation of human rights and related issues following the terror attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Xinhua news agency reported.

The commission will be made up of three members including an international figure and will be assisted by national and international legal experts, the announcement said late Thursday.

The Myanmar government reiterated that if there is violation of human rights by the country's security forces with firm evidence, investigation will be launched and action will be taken according to law, objecting to the attempted reference of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court of which it is not a member nor a signatory.

The ARSA extremists launched attacks on police outposts in Myanmar's Rakhine state on August 25, 2017.