AA to Investigate charges from Chin Political Steering Committee (Rakhine State) that AA soldiers have committed crimes against Chin people Rakhine state

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 Township by phone, without giving any reason. The Chin villagers had their hands tied and were beaten by  a gang of AA soldiers according to the Chin Political Steering Committee (CPSC) statement on February 9.

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

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

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

The behavior of Arakan 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 the perpetrators is of great concern to the future social security of the Chin people in Rakhine State, the CPSC said in a statement.

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

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

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