Military spox touts détente with Arakan Army

By Min Tun 31 Dec 2020

Min Tun | DMG
31 December 2020, Sittwe

More military forces are not deployed to Arakan State because the Tatmadaw is trying to prevent further clashes with the Arakan Army, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, the chairman of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team.

The military spokesperson made the remarks during a press conference held in Nay Pyi Taw on December 30.

“The Tatmadaw is working to prevent further clashes in Arakan State. I want to say that we have no military reinforcements. If there is a military reinforcement, I would like to ask again what the evidence is,” the military spokesman said.

“Beginning in December 2018, heavy fighting broke out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) for almost two years. However, in the days leading up to the November 8 election, there has been a significant reduction in fighting in Arakan State, with no armed clash for more than a month.”

About five warships from the Myanmar Navy have been seen moving up and down along the Kaladan River in Kyauktaw Township every day, said U Maung Maung, an Arakan State MP for Kyauktaw.

“Some residents returned to IDP camps as they lived in fear in their villages after seeing military vessels from the Myanmar Navy along the Kaladan River. Some locals are worried about what will happen in Arakan State at the end of the year,” the lawmaker added.

The Arakan Army (AA) has maintained a unilateral ceasefire until December 31, and there are fears that fighting will resume as Arakan State has not been included in recent unilateral Tatmadaw ceasefires.

Some IDPs have returned to their former IDP camps for fear of being trapped in renewed fighting, according to locals.

“Whether or not the fighting continues will depend on both the military and the Arakan Army,” the military spokesperson told the media at the press conference.

Daw Khin Saw Wai, Lower House MP from Rathedaung Township, said that the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army needed to hold regular talks to reach a ceasefire and achieve lasting peace.

“They need to hold talks and understand each other in order to prevent fighting. Ceasefire agreements between the two sides are essential. The current cessation of hostilities can be roughly described as gaining some understanding. A ceasefire is needed between the two sides to reach an agreement,” she added.

An online meeting was held on November 25 between representatives from the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army to discuss the peace process, including the post-election political landscape.

On December 9, delegates from both the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army met in Panghsang, a border town in northern Shan State controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA).