AA undertakes development projects across areas of control in Arakan State

By Admin 31 Mar 2023

DMG Newsroom
31 March 2023, Sittwe

The Arakan Army (AA), which observed an informal ceasefire with the military in late November, has reportedly been carrying out developmental tasks in its areas of control.

The AA is currently building roads and bridges in cooperation with local people to improve road transportation in some Arakan State townships, according to residents.

On March 25, officials from the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) commissioned into service the Thayetchaung Bridge and a new bridge over the Kar May Creek in Rathedaung Township.

Residents said that since Rathedaung is a township with poor transportation links, they welcome the AA’s construction of new roads and bridges.

“We are pleased with AA’s construction of new rural roads and bridges in Rathedaung Township,” said a youth activist in Rathedaung Township. “Rathedaung is a township with difficult transportation. Locals are now able to travel from one village to another conveniently. The AA’s construction of roads and bridges will improve the regional development of Rathedaung Township.”

The ULA/AA collects taxes from the public and businesspeople in Arakan State, and spends these taxes on regional development, public services, and judicial activities, U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the ethnic armed group, told reporters at a recent press conference.

“Everyone knows that ULA/AA is trying to control Arakan State,” said U Pe Than, a veteran Arakanese politician. “During the ceasefire, ULA/AA did more local development together with the local people, and helped to solve their problems. I see that ULA/AA has been providing services for the health and education of the locals. I see that ULA/AA is trying to lead the people as much as possible for Arakan State.”

The United League of Arakan, the political wing of the Arakan Army, has established a judiciary parallel to the existing, junta-run legal system in the state.

The AA reached an informal ceasefire with the Myanmar military on November 26, citing humanitarian grounds.

AA members also reportedly harvested the paddy fields of IDP farmers in Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, and Minbya townships in cooperation with local residents.