AA tells gun owners to surrender firearms within 45 days

By Admin 03 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

3 September 2025, Mrauk-U

The Arakan Army (AA) has issued a local order requiring those in possession of firearms and military equipment in areas controlled by the ethnic armed group to surrender them within 45 days.

Citing safety reasons, the Arakan Army issued the local order to confiscate guns, air guns, homemade percussion lock firearms, related ammunition, and intercoms that have made their way into the hands of the public.

The Arakan Army has said that the items must be handed over to the relevant administrative office within 45 days, and that effective action will be taken if found in possession beyond the specified date.

"The Arakan Army's local order is to protect one side from losses caused by the danger of military equipment on the ground. If there are weapons, it is easy for them to use them if there is a problem with each other. Therefore, if there is military equipment, they need to hand it over to the Arakan Army. Otherwise, there may be accidents and explosions," said a local man in Rathedaung Township.

In Arakan State, military equipment has been seized in conflict areas and areas where junta troops were stationed, but the equipment has not been systematically reported to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, crimes such as theft, robbery, and murder are on the rise in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, and people are concerned about their safety.

"It is easy to commit crimes in such difficult times. There is a war going on in Arakan State, so it is better to be afraid of having such military equipment, especially guns, which can directly kill people. It is good that the Arakan Army has issued such a local order, but effective actions are needed," said a young social activist in Arakan State.

The Arakan Army says it is committed to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring the safety of the people, eliminating crime and violence, and ensuring law and order and security in Arakan State.

Although the Arakan Army is rebuilding the administrative structures in the areas it controls, there are still weaknesses in the rule of law and the judiciary, which have drawn criticism from the public.