ULA/AA-administered punishments for Covid rules violators under scrutiny

By DMG 05 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
5 August 2021, Sittwe 

The United League of Arakan and Arakan Army (ULA/AA) have jointly issued a statement urging people in Arakan State to stay in their homes to prevent the spread of Covid-19, acknowledging that in some places individuals who do not follow pandemic-related rules are punished.

 Videos of those punishments have been circulating on social media, including videos of alleged offenders being forced to sit up and be beaten with sticks. 

“There is no equality in society. The ULA/AA members are punishing those who do not comply with the Covid-19 protection, but I would like to say that such actions should not be posted on Facebook,” said Daw Khin Saw Wai, a former Arakan State MP for Rathedaung Township. 

Ko Kyaw Min Khaing, a local from Rathedaung Township, said it would be better to punish those who violated the Covid-19 rules using “more positive governance” methods. 

“I would recommend that the ULA/AA practice more positive governance. For example, I would like to see fines and warnings for those who do not follow the Covid-19 rules,” he said. 

Such punishments were not appropriate for the elderly and videos of the punishments should not be spread on social media, he added. 

“I think a little bit of dignity should be taken into account when dealing with older people. I think a warning should be sent in other ways, not just via sit-ups,” said Saw San Nyein Thu, chairperson of the Rakhaing Women’s Initiative Organization. 

The ULA/AA first announced a stay-at-home period in Arakan State from July 20 to August 4, and subsequently extended it from August 5 to August 18. 

Despite the directive, only about 70% of the Arakanese people have complied with the order and a notable number have not, AA chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing said in a video address on July 25. 

The Arakan Army last week said it blew up stun grenades as a warning to those failing to follow its stay-at-home orders. AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha said the explosions were in response to social gatherings taking place in defiance of the armed group’s dictate. 

“It’s good to figure out what to do. For example, it may be said that a fine is imposed on those who do not follow the rules. Therefore, I would like to say that all adults and the elderly in rural areas should be educated about the Covid-19 regulations,” Daw Khin Saw Wai said.