U Khaing Thu Kha, the spokesperson for the Arakha Army (AA), affirmed to Narinjara that AA is dedicated to aiding and protecting the innocent civilians trapped in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, irrespective of their ethnicity or faith.
"We are committed to aiding and safeguarding innocent individuals, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds”, U Khaing Thu Kha said.
Clashes between AA and the Junta troops have intensified around Buthidaung Township, as Junta soldiers set fire to numerous houses in urban areas. Many locals are now trapped in the town amidst the escalating conflict.
"In the Maungdaw region of Buthidaung, Rakhine State, the Junta is actively training and arming terrorist organizations such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA). These groups operating under orders and collaboration with Junta forces, have been unlawfully encroaching upon, plundering, and setting ablaze the residences of Rakhine people and individuals of diverse faiths in Buthidaung. Such deliberate actions are exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions between Muslims and other religious communities”, U Khaing Thu Kha emphasized.
U Khaing Thu Kha also highlighted that Rohingya people advocating for peace are not involved in these activities, as they also suffer from the violence in Buthidaung. He issued assurances that the AA stands ready to support and safeguard anyone pursuing a peaceful existence, regardless of their race or religion.
A Hindu resident of Buthidaung reported that Junta forces and Junta- orchestrated Muslim extremist groups such as ARSA and ARA, have razed thousands of homes owned by Rakhine and Hindus in Buthidaung, resulting in widespread devastation.
The Hindu commented that "The situation in Buthidaung is dire. Despite AA's siege on the town, many Junta forces, ARSA members and their affiliates, armed by the Junta, remain entrenched within the town. During arson attacks , Rakhine and Hindu homes were deliberately targeted, while fire engines were strategically positioned to protect adjacent Muslim houses from catching fire. This blatant discrimination against non-Muslim residents of Buthidaung only exacerbates the crisis. Many of the remaining residents serving as house guards are elderly. With no safe shelters available as before, we are uncertain where to seek refuge. Right now safety becomes our immediate concern," he said.
Human rights activist Ro Nay San Lwin also underscored that the Junta forces in Buthidaung Township have two primary objectives in pressuring Muslims to engage in such destructive actions.
"I have heard reports that they were forced into wearing military uniforms and tasked with destroying houses and shops. If it is true, it is because the Junta is exerting pressure on them to do so. The Junta appears to have two main objectives in mind: firstly, to employ them as human shields, and secondly, to stoke tensions between the Rakhine and Rohingya communities," he pointed out.
Regarding this issue, Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson of the Junta, refuted the allegations. However locals have stated that his denial does not reflect the actual situation on the ground.
U Khaing Thu Kha the AA spokesperson responded, "Zaw Min Tun’s denial is nothing new but it is sheer hypocrisy. Every time the terrorist fascist Junta attempts to conceal its failures on the Rakhine frontlines, it resorts to politically motivated attacks against our organization. In the current situation, as the terrorist Junta gradually retreats from Rakhine State, it is strategically fueling religious and ethnic tensions in the region. Especially in Buthidaung, Maungdaw region of Rakhine State, the terrorist Junta is actively training and arming radical Muslim terrorist groups like ARSA, ARA, and other extremist factions."
