Civil society organizations say that the Arakan Army (AA) should organize and engage with the public in a positive manner as it conducts basic military training courses for local residents in Maungdaw to enhance village security.
Following reports that the Arakan Army had forcibly recruited some civilians, including members of the Mro ethnic group, for military service in Maungdaw, the AA stated that it was conducting basic military training for village security purposes.
During that recruitment process, some members of the Arakan Army reportedly resorted to forcibly recruiting civilians. For this reason, civil society organizations have stated that the AA should clarify the situation to the public and mobilize support in a constructive manner, while civilians should also be encouraged to understand the circumstances.
“In the current wartime situation, where people have been displaced and are living as refugees in various places after fleeing their homes, we see these actions as necessary for survival. However, the public does not perceive it the same way we do. Their natural instinct is to live peacefully and avoid harming others. When their peaceful nature is challenged, it creates discomfort. As the organization handling this, if we approach the situation gradually and gently, over time, understanding will be reached,” an ethnic Thet leader from Maungdaw Township told Border News Agency.
Arakan residents say that armed Rohingya terrorist groups are carrying out abductions, killings, and ransom demands against civilians along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, which is under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).
In response to these threats, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government stated that basic military training is being provided to local residents to protect them from the dangers posed by these armed terrorists.
However, there have been allegations that the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government forcibly recruited members of the Mro ethnic group, including underage individuals. In response, the Arakan Army (AA) stated that it does not recruit or provide military training to minors.
While welcoming the AA’s acknowledgment of conducting military training, civil society organizations emphasized that the recruitment process should be conducted in a voluntary and constructive manner, rather than through coercion.
“We also believe that what happened to the Mro youths should not have occurred. At the same time, we welcome the acknowledgment of responsibility by U Khine Thu Kha, a spokesperson of the Arakan Army (AA), regarding this issue,” said U Maung Maung Kyi, a leading committee member of the Spring Revolution Multi-Ethnic Network, to Border News Agency.
In the final phase of the Arakan war, the Arakan Army (AA) has fully captured and taken control of several townships, including Paletwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbra, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa.
In the territories controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government is establishing administrative mechanisms to govern the region. According to Arakan residents, the government is also assisting in ensuring security and stability, as well as supporting reconstruction efforts.
However, civil society organizations say that armed terrorist groups claiming to be Rohingya are becoming more active along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, with an increase in their organized movements and potential attacks. Given this situation, they emphasize that civilians should also voluntarily participate in security efforts with awareness and cooperation.
“Because in the border forests of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung, Bengali terrorist groups like ARSA and RSO are gathering strength day by day and disrupting stability through various means. As civilians currently experiencing these threats, we believe that over time, more people will come to see the need to contribute as much as they can to our collective efforts,” said an ethnic Thet leader from Maungdaw Township to Border News Agency.
Arakan residents have reported that some individuals involved in the administration of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG) have been engaging in power abuses and human rights violations against civilians.
In response, the APRG is reportedly conducting investigations and taking appropriate actions against those involved in such activities. Civil society organizations have stated that these actions and acknowledgments are positive steps toward upholding good governance and accountability.
“If they deny the actions they have taken, they will end up being the same as the terrorist military junta. If there are mistakes, they must acknowledge them. We also welcome the admissions made by the AA regarding Mro youths’ involvement in military activities,” said U Maung Maung Kyi, in an interview with Border News Agency.
Since the start of the final decisive battle in Arakan, the Myanmar junta’s forces have blocked and restricted all land and water routes in the Arakan region. They have also obstructed and restricted international humanitarian aid organizations from providing assistance.
As a result, the people of Arakan, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), are facing challenges related to food, shelter, healthcare, and security. They are confronting difficulties and hardships that affect their daily lives.
Given these challenges, the people of Arakan are experiencing both physical and emotional distress. Civil society organizations believe that those in leadership positions, including officials from the Arakan People’s Government, should work to unite the public and take positive actions to support the people during this difficult period.
“During this time when the people are suffering emotional distress, it is hoped that the responsible organizations will handle the situation calmly and carefully to prevent further complications. If they manage the situation with patience and control, it will help create a better future outlook,” said a community leader from the Maungdaw region in an interview with Border News Agency.
The Arakan Army has been providing civil defense training to the Arakan people in almost all areas under its control since January of last year, according to the people of Arakan.
The Arakan Army has fully captured and controlled the Arakan-Magway, Arakan-Bago, and Arakan-Ayeyarwady border areas, as well as the Arakan-India and Arakan-Bangladesh borders
In areas like Kyaukphru, Sittwe, and Man-Aung townships, which have yet to be captured by the Arakan Army, military tensions are rising. The Myanmar junta forces are deliberately targeting civilian areas with heavy artillery, according to the people of Arakan.
