Battles hinder observations of ANP investigation commission

By Khaing Ro La 04 Apr 2019

Khaing Roe La / DMG

April 4, Sittwe

The ongoing battles in Rakhine state have hindered procedures of the Investigation Commission established by the Arakan National Party (ANP), said U Tun Aung Kyaw, member of the commission and General Secretary of the ANP.

The ANP set up the commission on March 20 to catalog and document fatalities and injuries of locals and make reports on the destruction of ancient cultural heritage landmarks due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and AA. Their findings would subsequently be sent to the President, State Counsellor and Commander-in-Chief, the Human Right Commission and other relevant organizations.

Unfortunately, the commission’s investigation process has been impeded by the ongoing battles so the commission cannot make a complete appraisal of damages resulting from attacks, U Tun Aung Kyaw told the DMG.

“While we were going to the Oh Phauk refugee camp to investigate their situation, we heard the sound of weapons near Kha Yu creek on the way to the camp.  We also heard the sound of artillery shelling in other locations. That delayed our investigation process,” he said.

In Mrauk-U Township, over 50 civilians were killed, or injured or missing during the battles and attacks, according to the findings of the commission.  It is still under investigation by the Rathedaung Township.

Although the data from ground observations shall be reported to the head office of the party within 7 days, they need to take more time because of these difficulties, U Tun Aung Kyaw said.

“At first, we have been told to report to the party within one week but we now requested to extend the time frame,” he said.

The commission comprises nine members including ANP’s vice-chair Daw Aye Nu Sein, General Secretary U Tun Aung Kyaw and Pyithu Hluttaw representatives U Oo Hla Saw and Daw Khin Saw Wei.