Interviewer: Aung Zaw (AZ), The Irrawaddy
Interviewee: Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing (TMN), Arakan Army (AA)
AZ: I’d like to inquire about the recent conflicts and clashes in Buthidaung and Maungdaw in Rakhine State. Reports have surfaced alleging that the Arakan Army (AA) attacked Rohingya civilians on August 5 and 6. The AA has denied these claims. Do you have any evidence that refutes these allegations?
TMN: There have been numerous allegations both before and during the seizure of Buthidaung. However, when discussing the situation in Rakhine State, it’s challenging to provide a single, straightforward answer. The context is crucial here. For instance, during World War II, Muslim communities in the Rakhine border region fought alongside the British, while Rakhine and Burmese forces advanced with the Japanese. The British armed these Muslim communities, which resulted in violent conflicts against the Rakhine people. The repercussions of these historical events have fueled a vicious cycle of animosity and mistrust between the communities. Building trust in such an environment remains a formidable challenge.
AZ: Can you expand on how these historical grievances continue to play a role in the current conflict?
TMN: Absolutely. Following Prime Minister U Nu in the 1950s, Bamar politicians exploited these tensions between the Rakhine and Muslim communities for their own political gain. U Nu, for example, offered to recognize the Rohingya and grant autonomy to the Mayu Frontier District to secure their support. This political manipulation has continued through the years, with the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) issuing white cards to about 500,000 people. Today, the junta exacerbates these tensions by arming and training certain Muslim groups, even framing their struggle as a divine mission or a rightful claim to the land. It’s a manipulation that has deep roots in history.
AZ: Reports have emerged that the junta is arming and training groups like ARSA and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO). Do you have any evidence of this?
TMN: Yes, we do. After seizing the military headquarters in Buthidaung, we obtained significant evidence, including computers, official documents, and data from the phones of captured personnel. These documents reveal the junta’s orders and plans to blame the AA for various atrocities. Some of the evidence involves individuals who commanded the burning of villages, intending to pin the blame on us to escalate the conflict. While we have gathered more than enough evidence, we are withholding some of it during wartime to avoid jeopardizing future confrontations.
AZ: When do you plan to make this evidence available to the media and human rights organizations?
TMN: Although we possess substantial evidence, we can only declassify a portion of it for now. We are still in the midst of conflict, and revealing all our sensitive information could lead to new challenges. However, we are prepared to share some of the evidence obtained from mobile devices, though more technological evidence and certain witness testimonies will remain confidential for the time being.
AZ: The Arakan Army has faced considerable allegations. How do you view the AA's strategic communication in light of these accusations?
TMN: It often feels like we’re being overwhelmed by a flood of allegations. However, rather than weakening our determination, it strengthens our resolve and clarifies who stands with us and who opposes us. We have been collaborating with Muslim communities in townships like Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, and Rathedaung. Despite some issues, most of the problems we encounter are related to routine matters like gang activities, not ethnic or religious conflicts. Our focus remains on fostering peaceful coexistence and harmony among different groups.
AZ: How have external organizations and extremist groups influenced the situation?
TMN: Extremist groups have been collaborating with junta forces, while some external organizations, seasoned by past crises, are pushing their own agendas. These groups, often well-funded and legally savvy, have consistently called for international intervention, particularly in areas like Buthidaung and Maungdaw. Some even advocate for the creation of safe zones, portraying these regions as being separate from Rakhine, which we cannot allow. This land is our ancestral heritage, and we are committed to defending it against any threats, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
AZ: What steps has the AA taken to minimize civilian casualties, particularly in areas with large Muslim populations?
TMN: We’ve enforced strict codes of conduct among our soldiers and have taken severe action against any breaches. In areas where large Muslim populations reside, we have collaborated with local communities to establish governance, law enforcement, and religious organizations. We’ve issued warnings to civilians in advance of military operations to avoid accusations of forced evacuations or indiscriminate violence. We’ve also provided supplies and medical assistance wherever possible, despite resource constraints.
AZ: There have been reports of drone bombings in Rakhine. What is your response to these allegations?
TMN: Drones are used widely throughout the country, by all forces, including the junta. Their drones are far more advanced and capable of operating in various weather conditions, while ours are limited by factors like rain, which can cause short circuits. Additionally, the junta uses sophisticated jamming systems to block our drones. Claims that drones are launching from our positions are simply false. It’s worth noting that during chaotic times like these, tracking the trajectory of bombs or mortars is nearly impossible, especially amidst the confusion of battle.
AZ: There have been allegations of abductions and sexual violence. Can you comment on these claims?
TMN: We have substantial evidence of such crimes, including testimonies from Muslim eyewitnesses. These are not baseless accusations. We’ve documented cases where females of various ages were abducted and raped, and we’ve posted some of the evidence on platforms like Twitter. These are serious crimes, and we continue to gather evidence to expose these acts.
In this interview, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing sheds light on the deep-seated historical grievances, political manipulation, and current conflicts in Rakhine State. While allegations against the Arakan Army continue to surface, Naing insists that much of the violence is being orchestrated by the junta, with the AA taking measures to protect civilian populations and foster peaceful coexistence. However, in a conflict as complex as this, the evidence remains key—some of which the AA holds close as they navigate an ongoing and volatile situation.
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