WAO(USA) has sent an appeal letter to UNESCO;
World Arakanese Organization (USA) on the matter of protecting our ancient city of Mrauk U from further destruction by Burmese military government.
Arakanese are one of the indigenous people of Burma (Myanmar) and Arakan became a part of Burma after occupation by Burmese King in 1784. Mrauk U (Myauk-U) was the last capital of Mrauk-U Kingdom, the most developed and powerful Arakanese kingdom. It was established in 1430 by King Min Saw Mon and it grew into a major business hub along the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal; trading not just with Asian powers but also with European powers such as the Portuguese and the Dutch. (For more information on Mrauk U - http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/824/)
During the prosperous times of Mrauk U, the kings, ministers and peasants built many pagodas and temples for religious purposes and fortresses and moats for security purposes. Now they all are in danger due to the government’s railroad project.