The Arakha Army (AA) now controls up to 15 townships in Arakan State, including Paletwa, with the exception of three townships: Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung. Observers have noted that the AA has effectively taken control of nearly all of Arakan State.
Meanwhile, the Arakan Revolutionary Government is implementing initiatives in the controlled townships, focusing on establishing the rule of law, governance, education, healthcare, regional development, and social services. These efforts are part of a broader push to establish a self-governing system and rebuild Arakan State.
Arakan State is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including the Arakanese, Mro, Thet, Khami, Daingnet (Thetkama), Maramagyi, Kaman, Chin, and Muslim communities, among others. In the context of rebuilding Arakan State, fostering harmonious coexistence among these ethnic groups within AA-controlled territories plays a pivotal role.
Regarding their vision for a future Arakan State, Development Media Group (DMG) compiled the perspectives and aspirations of these diverse communities on how the various ethnic groups are currently living in AA-controlled areas and promoting social harmony among themselves.
Daw Tin Tin Mya / Muslim (Buthidaung Township)
In fact, we Muslims and the Arakanese get along well in places like Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Sittwe—anywhere, really. In Buthidaung and Maungdaw especially, the Arakanese and Muslims have always shared the same water, lived in the same towns, and grown up together, many of us embracing each other like family since childhood. In business, too, Muslims and the Arakanese often work side by side. There are plenty of cases where we rely on each other to make a living. But sometimes, outside interference has driven a wedge between Arakanese and Muslims, causing misunderstandings. I do worry that external instigation could lead to misunderstandings, stirring unrest between us. I’m getting old now, and with the children I have, even though the Arakha Army isn’t a full government yet, I hope that during their time in power, all Muslims and the Arakanese can live together joyfully, trusting one another like we did before.
A Maramagyi man (Maungdaw Township)
In the past, we lived together with the Daingnet people harmoniously. We’ve never had any conflicts. As Buddhists, we coexist peacefully. If one of us is short on something, we borrow from each other and share meals. That’s how we live and eat together. Everyone helps one another, including with healthcare needs. I was born in this region a long time ago, and we’ve never had a single quarrel among us.
Pan Kyaw Du / Thet Youth (Maungdaw Township)
In areas like administration, defense, other mechanisms, education, and ethnic affairs, we see efforts being organized and implemented. We also observe that various ethnic groups are actively collaborating in these areas. This, to me, is one of the best pathways toward building a positive future. There’s no sense of ethnic groups being sidelined or dismissed as uneducated or incapable. That kind of exclusionary attitude simply isn’t present.
Daw Sandar Win (Kyauktaw Township)
Ultimately, I want us to celebrate victory freely and joyfully. I long for success and for the desires burning in our hearts to be fulfilled. I envision a scene where everyone’s faces are beaming with smiles, warmly welcoming one another, reaching out to help, and celebrating triumph together. I want us to reclaim our land and create a future where we can look after our people, prioritize everyone’s well-being, and journey toward a hopeful tomorrow.
A Muslim man (Kyaukphyu Township)
We are grateful to the ULA/AA government. As the future Arakan government takes shape, we hope the ULA will ensure opportunities for education, promote equality, and uplift all ethnic groups contributing in various roles. Living in Arakan State, we have a deep love for this land. No matter where we go, when the time comes, it’s this place, this region, that we miss. All our ethnic groups cherish this land. Some of the things people say about us are wrong, and I want to tell the people of Arakan: we are not extremists. We are people who want to live harmoniously, side by side, as equals. Some have pushed us to the margins, which is why we’re sidelined. We want to embrace each other, grow together, and walk hand in hand toward a shared future.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)