Introduction / History

The Kaman are a minority Muslim people in Myanmar. The government has recognized the Kaman as one of the country's 135 ethnic groups and have given citizenship rights to the Kaman. Before 2012, the largest concentration dwelled in Rakhine's coastal areas in Thandwe, Ramree and Kyauk Phyu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Militant Burmese Buddhists have stirred up conflict between Buddhists and Muslim peoples like the Kamans. As a result, Kaman citizenship rights have been withheld. The government stopped distributing citizenship cards to the Kaman and moved them into camps for internally displaced peoples alongside the Rohingya. When violence broke out in 2012 between the Rohingya and Buddhists close to the border with Bangladesh, the Kaman received the same ill treatment as other Muslim groups. Their homes were burned, and their businesses looted. Since 2012, many Kaman families have migrated to Yangon to avoid communal violence. But conditions in Yangon aren't much better for the Kaman; the government seized their homeland for small compensation and moved them to the city without providing them homes or employment.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kaman converted to Islam over six centuries ago, but they share the customs and cultures of Buddhist Rakhines. They believe that Allah is the supreme God of the universe, but in a day-by-day basis, they depend on spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

As an oppressed minority, the Kaman need help from stronger people who will insist they receive fair and humane treatment.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Church will gain entry to minister within IDP camps and stand alongside the Kaman in their time of need. Pray that the stress of living in IDP camps and of being in a new city will cause the Kaman to seek spiritual answers in Christ. Pray that God's Spirit will use these situations to bring about a people movement to Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Kaman in Myanmar (Burma).

References

Rights Group Details 'Squalid and Abusive' Conditions in Myanmar Camps Wikipedia https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/myanmars-kaman-muslims-look-to-elections-to-restore-their-rights https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/myanmars-kaman-muslims-face-no-option-but-relocation/807343 https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/citizenship-in-myanmar/myanmars-other-muslims-the-case-of-the-kaman/7A8DCD66CE33DCC20D8CACA36317B903 https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-kaman-citizens-who-suffer/