Muslims are requesting the Arakan People’s Government to allow them to return and reside in Maungdaw town, which is under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), before the arrival of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Although Rakhine, Hindus, and other ethnic groups have been allowed to enter Maungdaw town, Muslims have not yet been officially permitted to return and reside there, according to reports.
Although Muslims have been allowed to reside in villages within the Shwe Zar village tract of Maungdaw Township, they are not yet allowed to live in the town itself. With significant religious occasions approaching, they are now requesting permission to return and reside in the town.
A Muslim woman displaced by the conflict from Maungdaw town told Border News Agency, “I am a Muslim from Maungdaw town. Our fasting month of Ramadan is approaching soon. Before Ramadan begins, please allow us to return to our homes. We earnestly request the Arakha government.”
Maungdaw Township was fully taken over by the Arakan Army (AA) on December 8 last year, and administrative mechanisms have since been implemented, according to local residents.
In the Arakan final offensive, the Arakan Army (AA) has fully captured and taken control of Paletwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathetaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbra, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa Townships.
In these territories under AA control, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government is implementing administrative mechanisms and providing public services to the Arakan people, according to local residents.
Therefore, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has granted religious freedom to Muslims in the areas under its control. Muslims from Maungdaw town have expressed their desire for equal rights and opportunities, hoping that they too will be granted the same rights and freedoms as those living in the areas controlled by the Arakan Army.
A Muslim displaced from Ward 2 of Maungdaw town told Border News Agency, “Before Ramadan begins, we are requesting to return to our homes in Maungdaw town. We hope the Arakha government will grant us equal rights and opportunities. Thank you.”
In the coming days, Muslims will observe Ramadan fasting, which lasts for a month, and they are requesting permission to return to their original homes, according to Muslims displaced from Maungdaw town.
Muslims in areas controlled by the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government have been granted the freedom to celebrate religious events such as Quran recitations and the handing over of certificates (Jalsa) without restriction, according to Muslims from the Arakan region.
Therefore, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government should designate the Arakan region as a non-religious, secular area. Only by doing so can the region avoid ethnic and religious conflicts and gain the trust and support of the international community, according to the international community.
