Amid intense fighting between Myanmar government troops and the Arakan Army (AA) in northern Rakhine, the armed group’s chief, Major General Tun Myat Naing, has told the Arakanese people that the group will build its temporary headquarters in the state very soon, reports the Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy cited a video message from the AA chief in Arakanese language, issued on February 10. In his message, Tun Myat Naing encourages the Arakanese who live abroad to return to Rakhine State to participate in what he said was a turning point in the history of the region. It is the second such video issued by the group this month. AA deputy chief Brigadier-General Nyo Tun Aung broadcast one last week.
Several sources close to the AA confirmed the authenticity of the chief’s video message. In the video, he is seen telling a crowd of villagers that the ongoing fighting in Rakhine State is not just an armed conflict between the AA and the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw), but a struggle between the Arakanese people as a whole and the country’s military.
He said: “I absolutely believe that the Arakanese public and the AA stand side by side. We have also frequently said that the military is fighting against the whole Arakanese public.”
Maj Gen Tun Myat Naing also suggested that the Arakanese return to Rakhine because once, many of them went to different states or other countries to join in the armed revolution. He said that era was now over, because the AA’s battlefield commanders and supporters were recruiting interested members. The AA chief promised they will fight until they accomplish their ultimate goal.
“If you are interested in being an AA soldier, you don’t need to travel to Karen state. Just go back to your homes and enquire a bit about the AA,” he said, adding, “The world-famous AK assault rifles, brand new AK firearms, are waiting for you. Just come and join, OK?”
In the video, the Arakanese people listening to his speech responded “Yes!” in unison. He also spoke to women and disabled persons, explaining that carrying a gun in battle is not the only way to support the revolution, but there are many different ways to revolt nowadays. For example, acting as an informant on the ground is also a way of being a revolutionary, he said.
“Guns do not discriminate between men and women. All you need to do is just squeeze your finger,” said Tun Myat Naing.
When he asks the Arakanese that whether they are eager to join the AA this month, instantly, about 100 villagers in the audience raise their hands, the video shows. He then reminds them that a real battle is harder than they could ever imagine, and that there is a strong possibility of them dying or being wounded during the fighting. It is a tough journey, he said, but the Arakanese need to sacrifice for a promising future by taking action with their own hands for the sake of the next generation.
Ethnic armed affairs analyst U Maung Maung Soe commented that the AA’s headquarters in northern Rakhine State could be a part of its “2020 Arakan Dream”. By analyzing the AA’s ambushes over the past few weeks, one could see that the conflict area has apparently expanded, and the AA had even attacked military columns where the Western Command of the Myanmar Army is based in Ann Township this month.
He pointed out that most of northern Rakhine townships in rural areas are under the control of the AA. U Maung Maung Soe said that looking at the number of clashes involving the AA and their movements, the group appeared to have a significant number of troops.
He said: “The AA has been trying to get a stronghold in Rakhine State since its establishment and they will probably stage a series of offensives against government troops and then enter politics in 2020.”
Another political analyst, Ko Wong Aung, also concluded that the AA has been pragmatically and consistently implementing its dream on the ground, both politically and militarily. The armed conflict in Rakhine State could even have major political consequences in the near future, he said, as the AA and the Arakanese people are now in solidarity. Based on the AA chief’s message, he remarked that the government should reconsider its perspective on the AA. Failure to do so could see the area become a failed state, he said.
He urged all sectors of society—including the legislature, the military and the National League for Democracy-led government—to carry out a holistic approach to Rakhine, rather than working separately.
“I think they should seriously consider starting now. This is a very important time for the government,” said Ko Wong Aung.