The Arakha Army (AA) has sent a letter to the National Unity Government (NUG) requesting it to limit its interference in certain matters concerning Rakhine State, despite acknowledging NUG's significant role in Myanmar's revolutionary struggle, according to Major General Twan Mrat Naint, the commander-in-chief of AA.
Major General Twan Mrat Naing disclosed in an interview with VoA that AA had notified NUG regarding this matter. He acknowledged that” the entire country had high hopes for NUG,” but stated that, “AA disagreed with some of its activities.”
"We understand and accept that NUG has to intervene in some unavoidable situations and issue statements regarding events in Rakhine State. However we hope that, on certain occasions NUG will not interfere more than necessary. We have politely requested this attitude in writing to the NUG”, Major General Twan Mrat Naing said.
AA responded in this way after NUG issued a statement on May 21, expressing concern about human rights violations committed not only by Junta troops, but also by AA combatants against Rohingya in Buthidaung Township, (on May 18th) in Rakhine State.
After the AA army captured Buthidaung on May 17th many Rohingya houses were reported to have been burnt down and it is reported that 45,000 Rohingya fled according to Rohingya statements that are now under investigation by UN Human Rights and UNHCR.
Major General Twan Mrat Naing further noted that the AA maintains positive relations with NUG and has forged military alliances with several Chin resistance forces, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), as well as Palaung and Kokang ethnic armed organizations in northern Shan State, alongside resistance forces in central Myanmar.
He also stated that AA's political objective is to achieve confederacy through struggle rather than negotiation, aiming to secure victory through military engagements.
"We are striving for a political status for Rakhine State, no less than a confederation. We are fighting for it. Our commitment will never waver. We are not pleading humbly with others, instead, we will fight until we attain it. Then, we will rebuild everything”, he declared
But human rights advocates are concerned that what is missing from the Arakha Army’s vision of a future Rakhine , is any statement about the rights of their Muslim minority co-existing with the Buddhist majority.
Aung Kyaw Moe the NUG’s deputy Minister for Human Rights who is ethnic Rohingya told VOA in a radio interview that, “ the assertion of our Rohingya identity is essential for safeguarding our rights and cultural heritage. When addressing organised provocations by the junta, our response should prioritise the common interests of all ethnic groups in Rakhine state.”
Major General Twan Mrat Naing also emphasized his preference for a future Myanmar where power is not centralized under one group, but where all unite and progress harmoniously. He underscored the importance of handling the Myanmar crisis with care to minimise foreign interference.
Throughout the ongoing six-month offensive operations initiated at the end of last year, AA successfully captured the Paletwa area in Chin State and the townships of Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Ramree in Rakhine State. AA's offensive continues with the objective of capturing Maungdaw, Sittwe, Ann, Thandwe, Gwa, Kyaukphyu, Taungup, Manaung, and Gwa townships in Rakhine State, all of which are still under the rule of the Junta.
Currently, clashes are escalating as AA intensifies its attacks on the Junta's military fortifications in Maungdaw, Ann, and Thandwe.
Major General Twan Mrat Naing also mentioned that AA boasts nearly 40,000 combat-ready troops, excluding reserve forces which makes it one of the largest EAOs in Myanmar.
