Clashes cluster around sites of India-funded projects in Arakan State

By Admin 12 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
12 December 2023, Sittwe

Renewed fighting in Arakan State that erupted some 20 days after the launch of Operation 1027 is primarily taking place at and in close proximity to the sites of foreign investments, according to the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar (ISP-Myanmar).

Fighting has mainly taken place in northern Arakan State, and around the sites of the India-funded Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project, according to the report released by ISP-Myanmar this month.

Junta troops and the AA clashed more than 10 times around the Paletwa-Zorampur road, which is part of the Kaladan project. The two sides clashed at least seven times near the Maungdaw border trade camp.

They clashed at least six times in Pauktaw Township near the Shwe Min Gan border trade camp. The two sides have been fighting in Pauktaw town for nearly a month now.

Most of the clashes have happened near project sites as the AA seeks to gain control of economically strategic routes, border crossings and towns, say Arakanese politicians.

“The Maungdaw border gate provides a substantial source of foreign currency for the regime. If the AA can control the border, it would be easier to exert control over Arakan State, and it will create considerable benefits for people in Arakan State,” said Arakanese politician U Aung Thaung Shwe.

Control over the border will also provide the AA with military advantage over the regime, say politicians. It could also improve the economy of Arakan State and also create considerable opportunities for tribal people along the border, they add.

Nearly one month since the renewed fighting began, the AA has seized four border guard police outposts in Chinekalein, Donepike, Donenyo and Kha Htee Hla along the border trade route with Bangladesh.

After an assault of more than 20 days, the AA has also occupied the Taron Eain and Nonebu tactical command bases in Paletwa Township on the India-Myanmar border, which is crucial for border trade.

Political analyst U Than Soe Naing said: “The AA is mainly targeting the sites of the Kaladan project, because it is the lifeblood of Arakanese people, and it is also the biggest trade route for India to connect with Southeast Asia. The AA will continue to fight until it gains control over those routes.”

The AA has rarely launched assaults along the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor in southern Arakan State, which is dotted with Chinese investments, said ISP-Myanmar. The regime has, however, abandoned its bases there.

The ISP-Myanmar report said the regime will try to avoid fighting as much as possible in southern Arakan State to avoid affecting Chinese investments there.

Though there is not yet fighting in southern Arakan State, local residents there are suffering from the junta’s travel restrictions.

An analyst who is monitoring Chinese investments in Arakan State said: “Though there is no fighting currently, the two sides may clash in the future. But it will take some time before they fight in southern Arakan State. The fighting may happen only after the AA has taken control of northern Arakan State, or the AA may launch some operations [in southern Arakan] as necessary. It is widely believed that the ongoing fighting will be the final fighting in Arakan State. People need to demonstrate resilience.”

Renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and the AA broke out on November 13.

Brokered by China, the regime and the Brotherhood Alliance recently held talks amid the escalating nationwide resistance offensives. Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun said Monday that depending on the results of the meeting, the two sides would meet again around the end of December.

The Brotherhood Alliance has yet to provide a press release or equivalent communique about the meeting.