NarinjaraNews, February 27, 2023

According to U Khaing Thukha, the spokesman for the UnitedLeague of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), the Myanmar military is reportedly going fromvillage to village, warning locals not tocommunicate with or support the ULA/AA. He has cautioned that these actionsby the military could potentially escalate into war at any moment.

“ TheMyanmar military has reportedly been going from one village to another inToungok, Thandwe, and Maungdaw townships, warning locals not tocommunicate with or support the ULA/AA, while labeling the ULA/AA as illegal. Given thatthese actions are being systematically carriedout , there is a risk that they may lead to a return to the battlefield at anytime,”  he said.

U Khaing Thukha spoke about the military situation in Rakhineat the ULA/AA’ sseventh press conference held viaZoom on February 27.

He added “Despite the current silence of guns in Rakhine, wecannot say that the situation is fully calm and stable.Although the Myanmarmilitary has announced a ceasefire, on the other hand, they are alsoactively working to increase their strength in terms of people, weapons, andfood. Although there is aceasefire in Rakhine, the people are still suffering restrictions on theirdaily life.”

U Khaing Thukha said that if the Military Council persistsin their negative actions, it can trigger areturn to the battlefield. He warnedthat “ If the Myanmarmilitary continues to behave badly, we canreturn to warfare at any time,” he said.

In Rakhine, the Arakan Army (AA) and the Military Counciltroops have been fighting fiercely in 2022.

Thanks to the intervention and coordination efforts of Mr.Sasakawa, the chairman of the Nippon

Foundation and Japan’ s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, acease-fire

agreement has been reached between the two sides sinceNovember 26, 2022.

During the current period of ceasefire, ULA/AA has beenfocusing on increasing administration andjustice, as well as releasing local citizens who were previouslyarrested by the Military Council.