According to a political analyst who spoke with the Narinjaranews agency, the Military Council is gearing up for another wave of crackdowns,this time focusing on Rakhine- based CSOs, following a recent severe crackdownon Rakhine media that disseminate daily news to the public.

"They perceive the media as adversaries. If you refrainfrom reporting negative aspects, you won't encounter any problems. However theyare now shifting their focus toward CSOs. Caution is advised," heremarked.

He added that due to the present political and militarysituation in Rakhine State, it's akin to having two separate governingentities, and social activists are dealing not just with the Military Council,but also with the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA). This means theyare working in a very risky and challenging environment.

An official from the CSO community in Sittwe Townshipexpressed concern that the Military Council had previously sent warning lettersto certain CSOs about

officially registering their organization, and now they fear asurprise inspection during this a period of military tension.

"If they conduct an unannounced inspection, I don't thinkthey will send letters. Currently there are organizations that have alreadyregistered. Some organizations have seen their registrations expire, whileothers have received extensions. Similar news has surfaced in the past, but noinspections were carried out. If an inspection occurs, it

would be acceptable, as long as it focuses on verifyingwhether the organization is officially registered or not," commented ananonymous official from an organization based in Sittwe.

A female official from a Sittwe-based youth organization, whochose to remain anonymous, mentioned that unregistered CSOs in Sittwe aremaking preparations in light of the news about a possible surprise inspection.

"We have heard the news, but we haven't received anyofficial letters. Nevertheless, many organizations are taking preparatorymeasures upon hearing about the possibility of inspections. Some organizationsthat are currently active have indeed received warning letters. Theorganization that received the letter is among the registered ones. Theseletters are typically sent to the registered organizations since they have theaddresses on record," she explained.

In light of the reports regarding a possible surpriseinspection of CSOs, an official from a CSO organization in Sittwe commented,"It appears that they are acting according to their own discretion. Theyhaven't granted approvals to CSOs, and even registered organizations are stillbeing instructed to seek permission for their activities. Unregisteredorganizations are also providing support to the best of their abilities. Theremight be an intention to impose restrictions. On one hand, there is stability inthis region, but on the other hand, there is ongoing conflict, which could be afactor behind this approach."

Previously the Military Council has conveyed to Rakhine CSOsthat they should refrain from offering humanitarian assistance, withoutobtaining prior permission. Additionally  organizations that are alreadyregistered have been instructed to submit updated regulations and information.

In March the State Military Council held a meeting withofficials from CSOs in Rakhine, during which State Chief Minister U Htein Linand the Minister of Security and Border Affairs issued directives to CSOs,instructing them not to engage with illegal armed organizations.

Moreover, the State Military Council has issued a notice tohotels, guesthouses, and motels in Sittwe, stipulating that if they intend tohost training sessions conducted by UN, INGO, or NGO organizations commencingon October 25th, they are required to inform the State Military Council oneweek prior to the event.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the Military Council, theimplementation of organizational activities has experienced delays andencountered numerous challenges.

On October 29, the Military Council carried out a raid on theoffice of the Development Media Group (DMG) news agency in Sittwe Township.During the raid, they confiscated office equipment and documents andsubsequently sealed the office.