Recent pro-military rallies in Arakan State are raising eyebrows as hundreds of participants have attended the demonstrations, seemingly in contravention of Covid-19 regulations that limit the size of public gatherings to no more than 100 people.
On November 1, one such rally was held in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, with some 1,000 family members of military personnel and former soldiers participating.
“Such pro-military rallies are the complete opposite of the Covid-19 rules. No one can deny that the actual situation is not in line with the virus-related regulations,” said Saw San Nyein Thu, chairwoman of the Rakhine Women’s Initiative Organization (RWIO).
The junta-controlled Ministry of Health has issued a directive calling for action against those in violation of the ban on gatherings of more than 100 people during the pandemic.
U Hla Thein, an information officer and attorney-general for the military-led Arakan State Administration Council, confirmed that the order also applies to Arakan State.
“It is mandatory for people to maintain a distance of six feet from one another and to wash their hands and wear masks at ceremonies and meetings,” U Hla Thein told DMG.
“Covid-19 infections have now dropped dramatically,” he added. “If the Covid-19 outbreak worsens, those who do not follow the virus-related regulations will be educated and punished.”
The Ministry of Health on October 29 issued an amended order exercising its authority under the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law, relaxing restrictions on public gatherings by increasing the maximum limit for crowds from 50 to 100 people. In explaining its decision to allow larger gatherings, the order cited “the current situation of the Covid-19 outbreak at present.”
“Failure to comply with the instructions, orders issued by the Ministry of Health and the Public Health Department regarding the Covid-19 disease will result in legal action under the existing laws,” concluded the order, which was signed by junta-appointed Health Minister Dr. Thet Khaing Win.
Family members of security personnel and Tatmadaw veterans have held pro-military rallies of varying sizes in the Arakan State townships of Thandwe, Kyaukphyu, Taungup, Maungdaw, Ann, Rathedaung and Sittwe in recent weeks.
Dozens of people in Arakan State have been charged under Section 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law for breaching Covid-19 regulations amid the pandemic’s ongoing third wave, though as yet there have been no reports of legal action taken against participants of the recent pro-military rallies.
Violators of Section 25 can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison, a fine or both.
