Min Aung Hlaing blames AA for sufferings of Arakanese people

By Admin 15 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
15 December 2023, Sittwe

Individual Arakanese people will continue to lose access to rights and opportunities unless stability prevails in Arakan State, said junta boss Min Aung Hlaing in his message to mark the 49th anniversary of Arakan State Day on Friday.

“Unless and until peace and stability prevails [in Myanmar], ethnic [Arakanese] will be unable to achieve socio-economic development, and individuals will continue to lose rights and opportunities,” reads his message.

The junta chief claimed that the military council has given priority to the development of Arakan State, which lagged behind in various aspects including transportation. At a time it is enjoying significant development, he continued, stability was disrupted by the Arakan Army, and locals have been suffering from the negative consequences of conflicts.

A former Arakanese politician said: “What he said is not correct. Individual citizens lose opportunities not because of the fighting, but rather, because individual citizens in ethnic states are losing rights and opportunities, it has led to this revolt.”

The regime is striving for sector-wise development ranging from agriculture, livestock, health, and telecommunications to electricity sectors in Arakan State, Min Aung Hlaing said in his message. It has also introduced a compulsory KG+9 system for the basic education sector in the state.

But Min Aung Hlaing’s statement is at odds with reality, said Arakan State residents. People in Arakan State are facing potential starvation due to the junta’s travel restrictions, they say.

“He has blamed [the AA] that people are suffering from the consequences of the fighting. Despite the fighting, the regime should not impose travel restrictions. But it is denying people their fundamental rights, using fighting as an excuse,” said a social activist from Kyauktaw Township.

Since the renewed hostilities broke out on November 13, fighting has spread to nine townships in Arakan State and neighbouring Paletwa Township in Chin State.

According to a DMG tally, at least 26 civilians were killed, and 115 others injured as of Friday by junta air, artillery and drone attacks on residential areas in Arakan State.