Reports of military weapons tests raise concern among Arakanese people

By DMG 19 May 2021

DMG Newsroom
19 May 2021, Sittwe 

Concerns have been raised by locals in Arakan State following reports of military weapons tests in the region. 

The township administration council announced on May 12 that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) would test fire near some villages in Mrauk-U Township on May 19 and 20, but withdrew the letter on May 18. 

In addition, some villages in Sittwe Township were verbally informed by the township administration council that the military would test weapons, said a village administrator who declined to be named. 

“The General Administration Department sent a letter to the township administration council office informing the villages about the military’s artillery fire,” he said.

A spokesman for the Arakan Army (AA), Khaing Thukha, said that in a calm situation, there should be no panic in the wake of reports that the military would test weapons. 

“Now stability is restored in Arakan State. We don’t want to create panic among the people at this time of stability,” he said. 

U Hla Thein, a spokesman for the Arakan State Administration Council, told the media on May 18 that the Tatmadaw would not fire heavy artillery and would only fire on the shooting range to avoid endangering civilians. 

“When the Tatmadaw conducts military exercises, it announces that people, boats and fishermen are not allowed to enter the area. The Tatmadaw has said it will fire at the site of the shooting range for fear of danger if people move lightly. At the site of the shooting range, G3 and G4 assault rifles will be re-fired. The Tatmadaw will not test-fire any artillery or missiles,” he said. 

No fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) has been reported in Arakan State for some six months. 

As fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA has ceased, more than 100,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) have gone back to their homes, but tens of thousands more have not yet been able to return to their homes, with many facing livelihood hardships.