Narinjara News, 7 October 202

The Military Council appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has invited the Arakan National Party (ANP) todiscuss the ANP’s statement regarding the renewed fighting in Rakhine State. 

Days back, the ANP issued a statement whereit stronglycondemned the damage and casualties caused by the military artillery firings.

The party chairman UTha Tun Hla has confirmedthat theUnion Election Commission sentan invitation to ANP. However, the finaldecision whether it should proceed with it will be finalized inthe partymeeting.

“We have receivedthe invitation letter on Wednesday. Theywant to discuss with us regarding the statement. I can’tsay anything at this moment and the final decision will be taken in themeeting only,” stated the chairman.

Mentionable is thatthe ANP released a statement regarding the ongoing conflicts inRakhine State. Four main points, which were mentioned in thestatement, include-

1. Earnestlyrequest the armed groups not to garrison and take cover in theneighborhoods and villages of Rakhine Stateduring the conflicts

2. Strongly condemnand protest the civilian casualties and damages of properties due to artilleryshells fired by the Myanmar military personnel

3. Call forwithdrawal of the ban on NGOs, INGOs and CSOs, which are providing humanitariansupports to civilians

4. Some townships,both in war zones and no-armed conflicts, have been isolated by closing theland and waterways which emerges as a threat to the livelihood of locals inthose areas.

As the statementwas issued, the chairman spoke to Narinjara News and said, “Many civilians havebeen killed and injured as the fighting had resumed and intensified in variouslocalities. A number of private and public buildings were also damaged. Thetransportation of food items, medicine and other essential goods were cut offdue to the blockade of roads and waterways. The residents in some townships arein more trouble. The number of people escaping the conflicts has increased bythe tens of thousands. That’s why we decided to issue the statement.”