August 3rd, 2021
The Arakan Army (AA) on August 1st announced that it would deal with judicial affairs in Arakan State.
All legal cases including violence, theft and land disputes can be sent to the judicial department of the United League of Arakan (ULA) through e-mail, Telegram and VK, the statement says.
Khine Thu Kha, the Spokesperson of the ULA/AA said: “The main purpose of this statement is to ensure that the people in the Arkan State can get justice.”
U Khaing Kaung San, Director of the Wanlark Foundation said: “I welcome the ULA’s statement. It is essential for the Arakan State. The people in some townships are not in a position to lodge a complaint to the military council’s judicial and security bodies. There is no coverage of the military council’s judicial system on the ground. For instance, the people cannot lodge a complaint to the police station in downtown Ponnagyun Township. The people need the complaint center.”
There may be complaints to the ULA. It is required to make the scrutiny of and verdict over the cases in the legal bound, he pointed out.
The UAL/AA said it opens the judicial office as it has written the law pertaining to the judiciary.
“The ULA/AA has opened the village-tract, station and district- level judicial offices at the designated places. Action will be taken against the culprits in accordance with the law drafted by the ULA/AA. The ULA/AA opens the courts as it has already had the law,” Khaing Thu Kha added.
According to its statement, either the victim or victim’s relative can lodge a complaint to the judicial department of the ULA along with the complainant’s address and phone number. The department would keep the facts about the complaint letter, investigation and action, confidential.
U Tun Tha Sein, ex-Arakan State MP from MraukU Township said: “It is found that currently, the ULA/AA has opened the judicial offices and is making verdicts. On the other hand, the military council’s rule of law is found to be weak. Thanks to the ULA/AA’s work, community peace and tranquility will be restored. I assume that the number of cases like theft, rape and murder will drop to a certain extent.”
Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) took place in Arakan State for two years. It has been more than eight months since fighting stopped in Arakan State. Currently, both sides have issued ceasefire statements.
The AA has won public support in Arakan State. It is found that the AA is getting involved in the rule of law affairs in Arakan State after the stoppage of fighting.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
