Ceasefire in Arakan unlikely despite China’s mediation: AA

By Admin 10 Jun 2024

    
DMG Newsroom
10 June 2024, Sittwe

A ceasefire is unlikely in Arakan State despite China’s mediation between the Arakkha Army (AA) and the military regime, AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha told a press conference on Saturday.

The possibility of a ceasefire largely depends on the regime, which has been targeting civilians in Arakan State with indiscriminate attacks, said Khaing Thukha.

“We have told the regime at the talks not to target civilians. But it continues to target civilians [in Arakan State]. It continues to attack civilians on other battlefields in which the AA is involved. So, it is tough to strike a truce,” said U Khaing Thukha.

The anti-regime Operation 1027 offensive launched by the AA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army in late October saw the regime lose large swaths of territory in northern Shan State before China mediated a ceasefire in mid-January. But fighting that began in November continues in Arakan State.

The regime and the AA held talks in May in Kunming, China.

“China wants us to find a solution peacefully through political dialogue. It depends largely on the regime,” said U Khaing Thukha.

Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has seized nine townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State. The regime has carried out frequent air raids on those townships, and civilian casualties continue to rise.

A woman from Kyauktaw Township said: “We want to urge the regime to avoid airstrikes. Many innocent civilians have been killed by their airstrikes that missed the AA bases. Children are now even afraid when they hear ‘vroom’ from a car, thinking a plane is coming.”

The AA has said that it intends to seize the remaining townships in Arakan State that it does not yet control: Maungdaw, Sittwe, Ann, Taungup, Thandwe, Gwa, Manaung and Kyaukphyu.

The AA has forged alliances with several revolutionary organisations across the country. It is also active in Shan, Chin and Kachin states, and Sagaing Region.

It has said it would not secede from Myanmar, but that its political objective for Arakan State is a confederation status with self-determination.