Chin group demands accountability for wrongdoing among AA ranks

09 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
9 February 2023, Sittwe

The Chin Political Steering Committee (CPSC) on Thursday urged the United League of Arakan (ULA) to identify and take action against criminality among the ranks of members of the Arakan Army in Arakan State.

On January 30, AA members called two Chin residents of Tokechaung Village, Myebon Township, on the phone, summoned them, tied them up without giving any reason, and beat them with a rope, CPSC said in a statement this week.

CPSC Chairman Salai Paing Song demanded justice for the people victimised, and called for the perpetrators to be punished.

“There are some unwanted abuses of power and oppression by the AA troops. There are many issues that are beyond our reach,” he added.

The ULA is investigating the veracity of the CPSC’s statement, said U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the Arakan Army.

“As to whether the CPSC’s allegations are true, we are conducting a proper investigation. After the investigation, we will be able to say whether or not the AA members have committed the crimes,” he added.

U Khaing Thukha said if AA members are found to have committed a crime, the ULA/AA law enforcement and justice apparatuses would take proper action according to the established rules and regulations.

Two AA members who raped a Muslim woman from Kyaungtaung Village-tract in Buthidaung Township were sentenced to 20 years with hard labour and 30 lashes by a military court on October 20, 2022, the Arakanese ethnic armed group said.