Japan-based ethnic organisations condemn joint statement on situation in northern Arakan

By Admin 29 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 May 2024, Sittwe

Ten Japan-based ethnic organisations representing Arakanese, Shan, Kachin and Karen people issued a statement on Tuesday condemning a joint statement issued by 195 organisations on the situation in northern Arakan State. 

The May 22 joint statement called for a probe into allegations about the arresting and killing of Muslims by Arakkha Army (AA) troops.

Tuesday’s statement by the ethnic organisations in Japan said the 195 organisations, including some groups outside Myanmar with ties to the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), Arakan Rohingya Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), intentionally published false information parroting junta narratives. 

The organisations said they condemned the joint statement because publishing assessments and statements based on baseless and biassed information can lead to negative results. 

“We urge that the organisations which had no knowledge about the real situation in Arakan State, and were deceived into signing the joint statement in the name of human rights, should withdraw [from the joint statement],” the Japan-based groups said. 

The AA issued a statement on May 24, saying the joint statement is factually inaccurate and out of touch with reality. Some organisations have subsequently withdrawn from the joint statement.

“The first victim in a conflict zone is the truth. Naturally, it is followed by an exchange of accusations,” said political analyst U Than Soe Naing.

Meanwhile, some organisations have reiterated their support for the joint statement. 

The anti-regime group Anti-Junta Mass Movement (AJMM) released a statement on Tuesday indicating that it stands by the joint statement, which it said reflects the organisation’s political views and policies. 

In its response to the joint statement, the AA said “it has well documented the organisations that signed the joint statement and their leaders” — a statement that the AJMM views as a blatant threat by a powerful armed organisation against unarmed forces. 

The joint statement in fact urges the AA, which now controls large swaths of territory in Arakan State, to investigate developments in the state, and take remedial action as necessary. 

“Our call for protecting the Rohingya [Muslim] minority should not be interpreted as an attack against the AA,” says the AJMM statement. 

The AJMM has supported the revolution in Arakan State even before the 2021 coup, and will continue to support the revolt based on the values of democracy and human rights until it succeeds, it said. 

The AA has said it condemns anyone spreading false information about Arakan State issues. 

It has accused the military regime of providing military training to Muslims and using them to fight the AA in Buthidaung and Maungdaw, and of also joining hands with such Muslim armed organisations as ARSA and RSO to create racial conflicts.