After a woman and a man were killed when as members of the Arakan RohingyaSalvation Army (ARSA) opened fire on their car in Taung Pyo Let Wae town,situated near the Bangladesh border in northern Maungdaw Township of  Rakhine State, the residentsurged the Arakan Army (AA) to conduct clearance operations.

The following message, written in Rakhine language,was sent to Narinjara News, “Two Rakhine people were killed by ARSA terrorists in Maungdaw. Irequest you to publish this information. Moreover,  I urge the AA toconduct clearance operations as the Rakhine people are feeling insecure. Pleaseensure that this message reaches the AA officials."

Another resident opined that the message should reachAA members as he has last hope on them only.

The victims have been identified as Ko Maung Bu (28) from Taung Pyo Let Wae town and Ma Thuzar (30)  from Nant Thar Taungvillage.

Both died on the spot due to ARSA gunfire, while theywere returning from Zee Pin Chaung village to Taung Pyo Let Wae town by a carat around 4:30 pm on 7 March.

"They were shot dead. Everyone suspected it wasan ARSA misdeed. The ARSA is active in those areas. Their collaboration with the militaryjunta has made us more worried and vigilant," said a reliable source.

The local residents also stated that many of theirbelongings were looted.

"It seems, the car was ransacked and belongings were stolen. The car windows were found smashed and everythingwas scattered," added the source.

Following the capture of  Taung Pyo Let Yar andTaung Pyo Let Wae tactical operation command bases in northern Maungdaw on 4 and 6 February respectively by the AA fighters, some terroristsinitiated attacks on local residents causing widespread concern among thepeople.