Narinjara News, February 10, 2023

On January 30,2023, at around 8:00 p.m., Arakan Army (AA) soldiers summoned two local Chin residents from Tokechaung (Chin) village of Myebon Townshipby phone, without giving anyreason.The Chin villagers had theirhands tied and were beaten by  a gang of AA soldiers according to theChin Political Steering Committee (CPSC) statement on February 9.

As a result ofthe Arakan soldiers beating, one of them lost consciousness on the spot, and ended up in hospital with received serious injuries. He isstill receiving medical treatmentin hospital.

Arakan Army (AA)spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said that AA is investigating the statement of the Chin Political SteeringCommittee/CPSC (Rakhine State) that Arakan Army (AA) soldiers have committed crimes against Chinpeople, and if found guilty, action will be taken according to AA’s military regulations.

“ Weare conducting a systematic investigation to find out whether or not theyactually committed the crime,as alleged. it is too early to say whether they have committed the crime. If it is clear from theinvestigation that they have committed the crime as they have alleged, we will take the necessaryaction against the perpetrators according to the military rules of the Arakan Army,” he said.

The behavior ofArakan Army (AA) soldiers against the Chin people in Arakan State has also led to other human rights violations.“The failure of United League of Arakan (ULA- the AA’s political wing) to do any investigation about theperpetrators is of great concernto the future social security of the Chin people in Rakhine State, the CPSC said in a statement.

The CPSC hascalled on the United League of Arakan (ULA) to investigate these incidents and take effective actionagainst the perpetrators and ensure justice for the victims.

It is stated thatthe CPSC is also trying to implement the “ Chin Customary Law” with the aim of creating a fair legal system that is compatible withChin customs in order for thelegal system to operate properly in the Chin ethnic areas in Rakhine State.

U Khaing Thukhaclaimed that the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) had been effectively investigated for abusesagainst local people in the past.