Narinjara News, 15 December 2024 

In a message commemorating the 50th anniversary of Arakan State Day on December 15, junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing urged for the cessation of the armed conflict.

In the meantime, the Arakan Army (AA) has seized control of 13 townships, which includes Paletwa Township, and has recently taken two district towns: Maungdaw, a town near the border, and Taungup, a key strategic site in southern Arakan State. 

Min Aung Hlaing’s communication likewise indicated that the state is receptive to discussions and consistently leaves the door open for peace. 

The junta leader stressed that peace in the nation can only be attained through conversation and political resolutions, relying on solidarity among ethnic communities and devoid of external meddling and internal provocation. 

He stated that disputes cannot be settled by armed violence and should be tackled through peaceful political dialogue. 

The message indicates that they have been observed favoring their wish to stay independent, rather than pursuing multi-party democracy and collaborating to create a strong union. 

Min Aung Hlaing additionally claimed that young individuals are being tempted by drugs and forced into participating in the conflict. 

The communication additionally indicated that the socio-economic situations of ethnic groups have deteriorated because of the activities of the MNDAA, TNLA, and AA, which started in October 2023. 

The communication also highlighted that this is an essential moment for everyone to adopt a long-term perspective, focusing on the well-being of the region and nation where we grew up, instead of inflicting pain on our ethnic community and jeopardizing the advancement and resources of our area for the gain of influential nations and local betrayers. 

The warning indicated that we must recognize that if we stay divided, the strength of the state will diminish, and history will remember us as a group that submitted to the will of others. 

Min Aung Hlaing finished by expressing that it is only through adhering to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) route to harmony in the Union that we can create the peaceful and thriving nation we all wish for. 

Political analysts indicate that, despite the junta leader's invitation, the AA is unlikely to accept the proposal. 

The constitution established December 15 as Arakan State Day in 1974. This year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the golden jubilee of Arakan State Day. Nonetheless, the majority of Arakan people do not acknowledge this State Day, since it does not provide political rights to the Arakan population. Consequently, it is seen not as an authentic State Day but rather as a facade. (Photo:AP)