Border News Agency
Mrauk-U, May 22
On May 22, the Arakan Army (AA) announced that a National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) has been in effect since March 18 across all AA-controlled areas. It stated that the provision will remain in force until a stable military situation is achieved.
According to the emergency provision, all women aged 18 to 25 and all men aged 18 to 45 who are eligible for military service are prohibited from leaving the area.
According to the provision, those who transport or assist individuals in leaving the Arakan region in exchange for money are prohibited, and it is stated that legal action will be taken under existing laws if such cases are found.
In the ongoing final battle in Arakan, the Arakan Army has taken control of 15 townships, including the Paletwa area, and is establishing administrative mechanisms as part of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
However, residents of Arakan say that the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has not yet officially issued or published any laws for public awareness.
In addition, they also say that the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) has not yet been made publicly accessible for the people of Arakan to read or be informed about.
Although the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) states that only men aged 18 to 45 are required to serve in the military, family members have confirmed to Border News Agency that some men under the age of 18 and over the age of 45 had already been taken for military service even before the provision was officially issued.
