BURMA INDEPENDENCE DAY ROHINGYAS WERE PROMISED A MUSLIM STATE BY THE BRITISH…. The legacy of colonialism The British ruled Myanmar (then Burma) for over a century, beginning with a series of wars in 1824.. Colonial policies encouraged migrant labor in order to increase rice cultivation and profits. Many Rohingya entered Myanmar as part of these policies in the 17th century. According to the census records, between 1871 to 1911, the Muslim population tripled. The British also promised the Rohingya separate land – a Muslim National Area – in exchange for support during the war ← YESTERDAY'S FACE TOMORROW'S FACE →
