AA spokesman emphasises tenuous nature of ceasefire with regime, criticises military conduct in Arakan 

By Admin 27 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
27 February 2023, Sittwe

At an online press conference on Monday, the Arakan Army (AA) spokesman said that if the military regime continues its political antagonism vis-a-vis the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), fighting could happen at any time.

 AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said junta soldiers have threatened local residents in Taungup, Thandwe and Maungdaw townships not to associate with, communicate with, or provide support to the ULA/AA, which the regime has called an illegal organisation.

“We are keeping a close eye on this matter. If the Myanmar military continues to behave in such a bad way, the fighting may return at any time,” said U Khaing Thukha.

The military junta, on the one hand, has observed an informal ceasefire with the AA, but on the other hand, has continued to send reinforcements to Arakan State on a daily basis, the ethnic armed group said.

“Although the gunfire is currently silent in Arakan State, it cannot be said that the situation is fully guaranteed,” he added.

He continued that the AA has been able to handle issues such as travel, transportation of goods and holding traditional events to a certain extent after the cessation of renewed hostilities in Arakan State.

But the people continue to face restrictions imposed by the military regime, without the right to move freely in their daily social activities, he said.

It has been almost three months since the military and Arakan Army (AA) agreed to an informal ceasefire on humanitarian grounds in late November.