Rohingyas Mourn U Aung Win Who Died As He Vowed

Akyab — Rohingyas globally mourn U Aung Win over his shocking decease and remember his heroic struggle for the rights of the minority he belongs to, Rohingya.

Noor Muhammad, alias U Aung Win, hailing from Aung Mingalar Quarter of Sittwe has passed away on February 26, 2020 at around 9:00 p.m. in Sittwe General Hospital.

According to his neighbor Saed Muhammad, Noor Muhammad was born to Gulam Hussein, alias U Sein and Sokina Begum on December 10, 1953 at Maw Leik Quarter, Sittwe township. Noor is the second of his siblings comprising three brothers and one sister.

He acquired LL.B. in Sittwe Degree College. He worked at the Consulate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Sittwe for about three years. He also took part in 1990 election. His father U Sein was a school teacher in Bali Bazar (Kyein Chaung), Maungdaw.

Due to his old aged health complications, he was admitted to the hospital where he breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 67. His funeral rituals were performed in Hman Zi Cemetery of Sittwe and he was buried there at around 2:30 p.m. local time.

He was one of the victims of 2012 anti-Rohingya riots, when Rakhine extremists inhumanely attacked Rohingya, ruined their localities in several townships and uprooted over 120,000 people.

As he passed his last days playing a heroic role in defending his people, this is what history has recorded of him. Dr. Maung Zarni said, “U Aung Win indeed was a brave man who risked his life to tell the world about the genocide of his Rohingya community. He spoke in one of the very first genocide documentaries aired by AJE, while living in Sittwe. May he rest in peace.”

The media world is still echoing with Win’s statement “RNDP members are responsible for the 2012 violence. Dr. Aye Maung, he is only responsible person. I can challenge him face to face. I am not lying. You can show my face to the world.”

Remembering his colleague, ex-MP U Shwe Maung writes, “KO AUNG WIN was my colleague for the Hidden Genocide documentary film… He kept his word. He passed away today. His name will remain in the history of Rohingya forever. May Allah grant him the Janate Ferdooze (Paradise). Ameen!”

Win used to meet government representatives, media agencies, foreign delegations, journalists, researchers to talk on behalf of his oppressed community.

Calling him ‘an extraordinary Rohingya human rights activist,’ Nay San Lwin writes, “He​ held the firm belief that the rights and justice is essential for Rohingya. Over years while living in the Aung Minglar ghetto, he strived for the rights of Rohingya despite being denied the basic human rights.”

Saddened by Win’s decease, Maung Tun Khin writes “We lost a brave man in our community. We will never forget his contribution for our community.May Allah grant him Jannah.”

His younger generation is seen inspired by his commitment to peace-building, wise advocacy, and heroic bravery.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to uncle Win’s family members who have lost a devoted husband, father and grandfather.” writes CRDI.

“We are the natives of this country… I will DIE here.” Win once vowed in the Hidden Genocide documentary.