Reported by Narinjara News-desk,6 April 2022

The second ULA/AA press conference was held online on 5 March, where ULA / AA spokesman Khaing Thukha stated many important points.

On military situation in Arakan (Rakhine) State

The military Council is providing military manpower and theongoing military build-up andsupply of food items could inevitably lead to military confrontation in the State between Myanmar Tatmadaw and Arakan Army members.

“The military council disrupts the  ULA / AA’s works with the administration forthe  Arakanese people.  It also continues to build the military strength with equipment/weapons,  manpower and food supplieswith the intention to attack AA members. If more military operations continue threatening the Rankine people, there will be confrontationsbetween the military council and us inevitably,” said Khaing Thukha.

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On  AA responds to National Unity Government (NUG)'smeeting offer

The request for an informal meeting by the NUG is welcomed.But the decision to join it willonly be decided after the AA’s 10th year anniversaryday. The central committee will decide the next course of actions after the Armed Forces Day.

It may be mentioned that the NUG had sent an invitationletter to United League of Arakan(ULA) on 24 March. The organisation argues that good ideas are  needed for ending the military dictatorshipand establishing a federaldemocratic union in Myanmar.

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On the issue of military products being imported toRakhine State
The central committee of ULA/AA  is still discussingthe issue if the military productsshould be boycotted in Rakhine State or not. In some parts of Burma, due to the current political situation, strikes are erupting to stop the sale of military products. Answering questions by a reporter ifsuch a ban could be imposed in RakhineState, Khaing Thukha stated that the central committee is still debating over the issue.
In various areas, controlled by  Kachin Independent Army (KIA), tradingof  military products has been restricted. These products include Burmese beer, Mytel SIM card Dagon beer, redruby cigarettes, Nan Myaingcoffee, Mandalay brand beer, Premium Gold,Andaman Gold Blue, Andaman Gold, Andaman Gold Special, Army Rum, Black Shield Stout, Dagon Dairy PlantProducts Shwe Phi Oo, etc. It alsocomprises seven brand milk & oil and  USDA cement.

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On administration and judiciary of ULA / AA

In Rakhine, a total of 3,838 cases were reported to the ULAjustice department in 2021 and5,683 in the first three months of 2022. Last year, 1,900 cases were resolved. This year, 1,026 cases havebeen resolved.

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On the case of death of a person during the investigation

Two inspectors who examined late Maung Gyi Hla (a residentof Mrauk-U) have been prosecutedand expected to be given appropriate sentences.

"We have taken legal actions against the inspectorsinvolved with the unusual deathof  Maung Gyi Hla. I would like to say that they will be systematically investigated andsentenced. If one commits a crime, we willnot forgive him/her,” asserted Khaing Thukha.

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On harmony among different ethnic groups
The military council has objected to the ULA / AA efforts for achieving harmonyamong various ethnic groups in Rakhine State.

"The military council has written to us objecting tothis initiative,” he said.

In Buthidaung and  Rathedaung townships, theULA/AA  provided medical treatmentsin Muslim villages and interacted with the elders in those villages, but the military council prevented such meetings with local Muslims.

Khaing Thukha asserted that such disruptions from themilitary council only underminedthe mutual trust between the military council and AA members.

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On relationship with Bangladesh

“We want bilateral cooperation with all neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh. We always want tomaintain peace with them. Hence,we are ready to cooperate with any neighbouring country anytime. It is a little difficult to say exactly how good a relationship we have with Bangladesh atthis moment. Only I can say, it’sfriendly in nature.”