Critics say Arakanese parties silent on junta atrocities

By Admin 04 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 January 2023, Sittwe

Civilian casualties and human rights violations by Myanmar’s military regime have increased since renewed fighting broke out in Arakan State in mid-November. And while in previous fighting, Arakan political party leaders and officials would consistently monitor human rights violations by the Myanmar military, they have been silent during the ongoing fighting, according to some Arakan State residents who spoke to DMG.

“Previously, political parties in Arakan State spoke out against cruelty and human rights violations of the military council. They spoke up for the Myanmar people. But they have been silent now,” said social activist Ko Tun Tun from Sittwe.

Six parties based in Arakan State have applied for registration with the junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC). The Arakan Front Party (AFP), Rakhine National Unity Party, Khami National Development Party, Mro Ethnic Party and Mro National Development Party have already had their registrations approved by the commission.

The UEC has yet to approve the registration of the Arakan National Party (ANP).

“Why is it that the parties that say they will lead the people are not speaking out while people are suffering from terrible woes? Perhaps, they are expecting benefits from the regime, so they dare not speak out against the regime,” said a member of a civil society organisation in Arakan State.

When asked by DMG about such criticisms, AFP chair Dr. Aye Maung said: “I am busy. I have no comment.”

A senior member of the ANP told DMG: “The registration of our party has not yet been approved. We are restricted [from speaking up for the people] by the junta-appointed election commission law.”

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has said national elections to determine a government to succeed his much-maligned regime will be held after a nationwide census scheduled later this year.

Junta air and artillery strikes have inflicted civilian casualties almost daily since renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army began on November 13, with a growing body of evidence pointing to intentional targeting of civilian populations by regime forces.

According to a DMG tally, 58 civilians were killed and 198 others were injured in Arakan State and neighbouring Chin State’s Paletwa Township from November 13, 2023, to January 3, 2024. The number of civilian casualties in Pauktaw Township remains difficult to ascertain.

The regime had also abducted approximately 400 residents across Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Pauktaw, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ramree, Manaung, Kyaukphyu and Thandwe townships as of January 1.