Naung MinThu, Narinjara News, 29 August 2024
LocalMuslims in Maungdaw township of Arakan State reveal that they feel safe in theareas under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).
A localMuslim said that they feel completely safe there. Under the junta’s rule, theywere robbed by junta forces, ARSA, RSO and ARA rebels, and many were kidnappedand also killed. Now, none of that happens in the AA-controlled areas, headded.
"Wewere extorted in various ways by the junta forces along with border guardpersonnel and the police forces. The court functioned a little. Now under theAA rule, we are free from all those hardships imposed by the junta," addedthe Muslim man.
Recently,the AA fighters rescued over 20,000 people who were trapped insideMaungdaw following the conflicts and many of them were used as human shields.
Thehumanitarian and development coordination office (HDCO), established by theULA/AA, is now providing shelter, food, medical care and also educationalsupport to those individuals.
"TheAA provided each IDP with rice, one liter of edible oil and tarpaulin-sheltersfor their families. I respect the AA’s ability to provide support during thetime of conflicts. We are very grateful for this. Otherwise, the internationalorganizations, including ICRC and WFP, were unable to support us,” said aMuslim IDP.
TheMaungdaw Muslims also clarified that some exiled Muslims and human rightshypocrites were spreading news that the AA members were terrorizing and killingMuslims in their place, which is baseless.
The AAprovides assistance to all people in the Arakan region regardless of theirrace, religion or status.
The opportunityfor all ethnic groups to participate in the local governance led to a greaterharmony and mutual understanding in the AA-controlled areas.
Photograph:ULA/AA provided medical care to residents of La Baw Zar, Aung Zeya(Arakanese), Ah Lel Than Kyaw (Arakanese) and Paung Zar (Muslim) villages underMaungdaw locality on 24 August.