Social harmony efforts expand in Arakan State

By Admin 21 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 August 2026, Buthidaung

The United League of Arakan (ULA) and local residents are expanding social harmony initiatives in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, areas controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State.

Social harmony efforts involve participation from diverse ethnic and religious groups, including the ULA alongside Arakanese, Muslim and Hindu communities, in local development activities and neighborhood clean-up drives.

A local Muslim youth in Maungdaw noted that joint activities among diverse communities represent a positive step toward social cohesion.

"Collaborations like this are essential for building mutual understanding, trust and respect among diverse communities. In particular, inclusive actions are needed to gradually bridge distances and overcome mistrust stemming from past conflicts," he said.

During the second week of August, an interfaith social harmony campaign in Maungdaw brought together 240 participants from Arakanese, Muslim and Hindu communities to carry out cleaning activities at various religious sites.

The campaign aimed to promote social harmony, mutual respect and recognition, and peaceful coexistence among different faiths and ethnic groups.

Similarly, on August 15, Arakanese, Hindu and Muslim residents joined the ULA in Gaungni Village, Buthidaung Township, to clean a drinking water pond damaged by flooding.

"Responsibilities for living in Arakan State do not rest solely on the Muslim community, but on every ethnic group living here. Seeing Muslim women stepping up to fulfill their roles in rebuilding Arakan State brings pride and inspiration," a Muslim man in Buthidaung Township said.

While constructive social harmony initiatives are encouraging, community members emphasize that achieving deeper social cohesion requires long-term commitment and continuous effort.

Locals stressed that all groups should actively participate in advancing social harmony based on mutual trust, equality and respect among diverse communities.

"Maungdaw is a border region home to diverse ethnic and religious communities, requiring the Arakan Army to handle governance systematically and carefully. Local residents should also participate even more actively in reconstruction efforts," a resident of Maungdaw Township said.

Arakan State is inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including Arakanese, Muslim, Mro, Chakma, Thet and Maramargyi communities, who carry out various roles under the ULA administration.

Current social cohesion efforts in the region include harmony campaigns, monsoon tree-planting drives and interfaith exchange forums.