September 21st, 2022
Myanmar’s military council summoned some businessmen in Arakan State on September 20th and warned them not to support the Arakan Army (AA), businessmen in the state said.
The state’s junta council summoned owners of gold shops, hoteliers and some other businessmen to a meeting and warned them against supporting the armed ethnic organization.
“They told the business owners not to pay taxes to the AA. They told us to inform them when AA members come to hospitals and clinics for treatment and also to inform them when suspicious people come to guesthouses and hotels or see anything unusual,” a businessman who attended the meeting told Development Media Group (DMG) on condition of anonymity.
Those who warned Arakan businessmen not to support the AA included the minister of state security and border affairs, the commander of the regional command, the police chief, the minister of hotels and tourism, and the minister of immigration of Arakan State, the businessmen said.
“They told us not to support the AA. They said that they would take action if we did. And that they would treat the enemy like an enemy, not with mercy. They said they had received information that some business owners had supported the armed group and asked us not to do so,” said another business owner who was present at the meeting.
The state’s military council also told those present that they can only implement regional development if regional security is stable.
U Pe Than, a former MP from Myebon Township, criticized the military council, saying it threatens the people instead of mobilizing them.
“Now is the time when the mechanisms of the military regime are out of control. They no longer trust anyone or anything. Because the situation is so messed up, it has relied more on intimidation than mobilization. They have tried to mobilize people in the past, but it has not worked. The way I see it, they are now giving an ultimatum to business owners as well,” said the former MP.
Tensions between the AA and the Myanmar’s military council are currently high in Arakan State, and the number of arrests on suspicion between the two sides is increasing.
Sent by DMG.