Naung Min Thu, Narinjara News, 16 February 2025 

A "Jalsa" event took place in Mrauk U, Arakan State, managed by the Arakan Army (AA) to present Quran recitation certificates. 

The event occurred in Mrauk-U Township in early February 2025, featuring officials from the Arakan Army. 

The event was attended by Quran reciters, religious figures, Muslim village leaders, and local residents. 

Moreover, the AA assumed complete responsibility for the security and various arrangements for Shab-e-Barat night on February 14, which took place two weeks prior to the beginning of Ramadan, as stated by Muslim village officials in Maungdaw Township. 

"We can freely conduct our religious ceremony, and the AA guarantees our safety. They also assume complete responsibility for our ceremony requirements," a village official remarked.

Photo by AA

He mentioned that previously, a substantial amount of kyats had to be given to officials from the junta’s Border Guard Force to conduct these religious ceremonies. Nonetheless, under the AA's authority, they can now conduct the events without restrictions, eliminating the necessity for bribes. 

In Muslim communities throughout Kyauktaw Township, the AA not only permits religious ceremonies for Muslims but also allows overnight events at mosques for spiritual activities. 

Moreover, the Hindu community in Maungdaw stated that the AA permitted them to hold the Rama festival in Maungdaw and ensured comprehensive security. 

The Rama festival took place from February 10 to 12, drawing large crowds to Hindu temples across Arakan State. Throughout the event, the AA offered complete security and all essential amenities to assist the festival.