Arakanese people condemn junta’s Arakan State Day celebrations amid ongoing bombings

15 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 December 2025, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime, which continues bombing Arakan State, is celebrating the 51st anniversary of Arakan State Day today with grand events in the three townships under its control.

In Kyaukphyu, a stage show featuring singers Htoo El Lynn and Kyat Khaing Kyaw is underway. In Sittwe, popular artists Khant Si Thu, Bhone Hlyan, Htet Myet, and Jue Htet Htet Aung are performing at a separate event.

Local residents criticized the celebrations, saying the junta is “celebrating a massacre” while civilians continue to die in daily airstrikes.

“On Arakan State Day, the military regime holds celebrations in Sittwe while bombing other parts of Arakan State, which it has lost, every day. I see them celebrating the inhumane acts committed by the military. The military’s allies encourage these crimes, ignoring the lives of the people,” said a woman in Sittwe.

On 11 December, the regime bombed Ngalonesu Village in Kyaukphyu Township, killing eight locals, including displaced people, and injuring more than 10. On 10 December, an airstrike on Mrauk-U Hospital killed 33 patients and civilians and injured 77 others.

“The military’s actions are a way to relax after getting tired of killing people. They also want to show the international media that there is peace in the areas they control. Artists are forced to perform, dividing the Arakanese people. It is disturbing to see these killers celebrating,” said a social worker in Arakan State.

The junta continues to bomb conflict zones and Arakan Army-controlled areas daily, causing mass civilian casualties.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing expressed his gratitude to Arakan State and its ethnic people in a message released today. Meanwhile, the regime has blocked all land and water access to the three townships under its control and increased security in the cities, causing rising prices and food shortages.

“The celebration of Arakan State Day is just a show by the military regime. They deny the rights of the Arakanese people and oppress the entire state. Bombing Mrauk-U Hospital on International Human Rights Day, despite international condemnation, is a clear act of violence. These celebrations are a despicable tactic of the terrorists,” said an 88 Arakanese Generation student.

Human rights groups, including the United Nations, have condemned the bombing of Mrauk-U Hospital. The UN’s Independent Investigation Mechanism on Myanmar has called for witnesses to share information about the airstrike.

As elections approach, the military regime is intensifying attacks around the townships it controls while attempting to retake towns in southern Arakan State.