Themilitary junta has compelled the Muslim residents to stage protest programsusing posters and signs against the Arakan Army (AA) in Buthidaung township ofRakhine State.

The localresidents informed that the 19 March protest on the streets of Buthidaung wasfacilitated with security by the junta forces.

"Theprotest involved only Muslim youths and many of them were influenced by thejunta. There were around 500 participants. They voiced opposition to theAA," said the villagers.

Both thetownships namely Buthidaung and Maungdaw support a sizable Muslim-population.Nearly 700,000 Muslims fled to Bangladesh following the atrocities of soldiersduring the  junta's clearance operations in 2017.

"Muslims have claimed genocideagainst them and filed a case at the ICC for war crimes. But they are now cooperating with the junta. Despite what they claimed, they were forcedto join the protest but the photographs reflected their voluntaryparticipation. I don't understand their true intention," said a residentof Buthidaung.

 NarinjaraNews wrote to U Aung Kyaw Moe, deputy minister for human rights in the NationalUnity Government (NUG) for his reactions but no response has been received tillnow.

 However, heposted the following lines on his social media page.

"Therecent anti-ULA/AA protests in Buthidaung township are being supported by themilitary junta. This junta wants to use the Rohingya as a scapegoat to divertattention from its defeat against the ULA/AA. The recruitment of Rohingyayouths as soldiers, their military training, and coercion to participate in theprotests aimed at fuelling ethnic conflict only serve the interest of the juntaand do not benefit the  Rakhine people, including the Rohingyas. Thismoment is critical for the Rohingyas and we must uphold our honourable historyof standing up for truth and justice."

The AAoffered to Muslim youths of Rakhine State to seek refuge in AA-controlled areasif they are compelled to serve in the military service. However, it is reportedthat some Muslims are cooperating with the military junta and even attackingthe AA fighters.

On 20 March, the AA uncovered deadbodies of Muslims in the  junta uniforms during the Rathedaung clashindicating their involvement in the fighting.

A residentof Buthidaung informed Narinjara News that soldiers and around 60 Muslims inmilitary service entered ward number 4 of  Buthidaung  and looted aformer NGO employee’s house at around 11 pm on 18 March. They also demolishedsome houses, including that of a lawyer, and smashed some car windows.

Many localMuslims oppose the collaboration with the junta. But the local residentscautioned on ethnic and religious conflicts to be fuelled by the junta.

Currently, the fighting between theAA fighters and junta forces is going on in Buthidaung Township as the  AAlaunched a fierce offensive against the 552nd light infantry battalion.