Vox Pop: Arakan State residents share thoughts on 15th anniversary of AA’s founding

By Admin 10 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
10 April 2024, Sittwe

The revolution of the Arakan Army (AA), a movement centred on sovereignty and self-determination for Arakanese people, turned 15 years old on April 10. DMG spoke to some residents in Arakan State about the AA’s military and political goals as the ethnic armed group celebrated the 15th anniversary of its founding.

The AA, which has taken control of nine towns and hundreds of military camps since November, is in the midst of an offensive campaign to seize the remaining towns in Arakan State.

Ko Oo Than Naing || Arakan Students Union

We can say that we have reached what we expected because the AA seized at least half of the townships in Arakan State during the latest hostilities. We can say that we have reached a position that people want. 

In the past, there were armed resistance movements in Arakan State, but they were not successful. I consider that we have reached a position that the entire public wants.

Muslim youth

If you look at the state of the AA’s political transition, there is a lot of progress. One of AA’s major achievements is its ability to reconcile all ethnicities and religions in Arakan State. Although the AA is mainly organised by the Arakanese people, there are people of all races and religions in Rakhine [Arakan] State who are encouraged to be united. Therefore, we can expect a very good future for Arakan State.

If we look at AA’s achievements in the latest fighting, it is obvious how much effort has been put in during the 15 years. Even if Arakan State gains independence, Muslims like us have only one hope. We were born in Arakan State, we want to die here. We love Arakan State. Therefore, our hope is that people of all races and religions will be in harmony, have equal rights, work for the country, and live peacefully.

Maung Tun Tin || Kyauktaw resident

I think that the AA has achieved success militarily during the 15 years since its founding. The AA is now in a position where it is about to take over the entire northern part of Arakan State. This means that the AA understands political and military concepts quite well. So, we can say that the AA’s journey has already begun. 

Another thing is that the AA is made up of young people, so AA leaders have good ideas and are quite strong in terms of political vision and military strategy. Also, the AA’s advantage is that it has strong alliances, so in many places the AA is fighting the regime. 

Female resident of Pauktaw

The AA is now in a position where it is about to take over the entire northern part of Arakan State at the time of the 15th anniversary of its founding. The AA began an administrative mechanism in the area held by the ethnic armed group. As a local resident in Arakan State, I am quite satisfied with the activities of the AA. 

All people in Arakan State are affected by the fighting and are facing livelihood hardships. People in Arakan State live in fear. But as a local resident in Arakan State, I have a lot of trust in the AA.

Kyaukphyu resident

It can be said that the AA is currently in a successful position. After the military coup in Myanmar, the AA’s achievements became more obvious. The AA can match words with deeds. Now that the AA is able to control northern Arakan, the people can move freely. We see that the AA can create more rights for the Arakanese people.