ANALYTICAL APPROACH OF WAR ON ARAKAN AND PHENOMENON OF HEFTY MILITARIZATION

Two jet fighter flying near Ramming bridge above the Laymyo river and fired missiles on May 7, 2020

Overview (Arakan News )

It is not in Afghanistan nor Syria; it is in Arakan in western Myanmar where two Russia made supersonic jet fighters flew over just above the heads of local fishermen and fired the missiles into the mountains and near the highway. It was lucky the missiles did not hit the fishing cannoe. 

Military aggression has been easing in middle east and Afghanistan after Covid-19 pandemic threating every region and every one. But government and army spokespersons in Naypaytaw are very proud of briefing the press and accusing Arakan Army was shooting WHO and WFP vehicles.

It is how it goes on to behavior warmongers and aggressive people. Very unfortunate, Burma, now Myanmar, was not enforced to sign armistice treaty with disarmament provision with American led alliance before the independence. This nation should be considered the most aggressive as Asia Axis after North Korea. In the future, civilized and peace loving nations should keep in mind Myanmar needs to sign a disarmament treaty. 

At the present time, a Sittway based military analyst who remains confidential for his personal security, foresees Myanmar army’s dry season offensive operation supported by airstrikes, navy, and artillery firepower are gradually easing in Rakhine State. His own analysis is somehow interesting. 

Glancing on Operation Theatre 

According to the analyst, Tatmadaw is reducing its ground troops from attacking on AA positions and bases in thick jungles and high mountains in the eve of stormy monsoon weather but moving back the forces to the bases while focusing in villages and towns to search, arrest, and interrogate suspects of AA supporters. 

“The army is prioritizing to reposition its troops of 15,000 to defense the bases and newly set up artillery bases in the frontlines in northern Rakhine and southern Chin states,” He said. 

Beginning of winter and through out the summer season from November to April, Myanmar army has aggressively launching military operations against AA, an attempt to defeat and contain AA fighters advancing to south, penetrating in villages and towns, and cut off supply lines and connection with rural populations. 

“The war Myanmar army fighting in this summer is first to defeating AA by air and navy supports in three months period, but it later changes to secure logistic support as well as clearing military supply roads, and defending hardware and artillery installations in new bases,” the analysist said. 

Why is that? 

By looking back the heavy military presence and carrying out aggressive operations by moving place to place and timelines in northern theatre in Paletwa, Minbya, Kyauktaw, and Ponnaygun townships will be tangible wider scenario and more understanding on Naypaytaw strategy.

Firstly, the army attacked AA bases in Paletwas township in Chin State through December to May. Jet fighters and helicopters are consistently bombing and firing missiles to the mountains and jungles--sometime to the villages--where possible AA bases are located while ground forces attacking. 

Arakan Army cleverly repositioned and attacked the very strategic location on water transportation gateway of Miwa military base for over 45 days. Myanmar army paid heavy prices to defend the base. At one point, entire battalion and its commander were killed and captured by the AA fighters after parachuting. 

Secondly, the army at the same time attacked AA bases and positions in the deep and far north of Kaladan River in Kyauktaw township. The army faced heavy causalities near Tin Ma, Mu Than Pyin, and Mar Lar villages. Again, jet fighters and helicopters dropped bombs in the jungles and mountains. Some bombs fall into Mu Than Pyin. Later on, the army set fire Tin Ma, Mar Lar, Mu Than Pyin, and Saba Htar villages. Thousands of villagers had to take shelters in Kyauktaw. 

Thirdly, in the beginning of January while attacking in Kyauktaw and Paletwa, the army sent 4,000 reinforcement troops to Minbya township to secure Ramaung Bridge and to attack AA positions in wide range of 15 villages. Since then, the army has been consistently attacking AA positions. Jet fighters, helicopters, and navy are backing up the ground forces. 

While AA were busy defending its positions near Ramaung bridge, it turned back and assaulted the military training school in Minbya township in March. That shock up the military planer in Naypaytaw.  

Ten of thousands of villagers had to run away from the villages and set up temporary IDP camps. 

The latest the army attack was on May 7, and two jet fighters fired missiles to the mountain near Ngya Sa Yin village. 

“The ground troops in Minbya are useless. The air strikes are only deterring AA not to wipeout entire battalions. Most of the troops bringing from the mainland are incapable and inexperience as well as lack of skill commanders. Most skillful commanders are assigned in state and national parliaments,” the analyst said. 

The final push is Ponnaygun township. Three thousand soldiers are mobilized in populated village tracks such as Nat Taung, Let Wea Sar Taik, Kyauk Seik, Di Par Yon, and Ken U. These village tracks contain with 20 villages and reply on waterway transportation and some narrow roads. 

Most of the reinforcement troops were landed by navy in Kyauk Seik in first week of March. Then they were transported to Let Wea Sar Taik by roads and small boats. Then AA cut the road and attacked by landmines. 

Most troops were encircled by AA fighters in the jungles and hills near Khit Ka Toe village. Then jet fighters and helicopters bombed the hills to clear the way out when artilleries were fined from Sittway and Ponnaygun. The fight lasted 45 days. 

In April second week and after the shells killed 8 civiliand and wounded 14 villagers in Kyauk Seik, AA attacked the navy landing port near the village and killed several soldiers. 

“This is the end of full scale operation in Ponnaygun township and attacking on AA bases, but the army is changing its operation to arrest villagers from every village and interrogate. That is the way they army thought they could find AA members and supporters in the village as intelligent gathering operation,” the analyst said.

AA stronghold township like Rathedaung, Maybone, and Buthedaung are left out of full scale military operations but sporadic fights and jet fighters bombing sometimes.

The analysis said, “It shows the weakness of the army leaderships and insufficient troops to assemble wide range of Arakan theatre. If AA extends the fights in the south, Naypaytaw will be in big trouble.” 

Myanmar government and Myanmar Army are two sides of the same coin

The military operation of Myanmar Army to fight against the Arakan Army in the lost Arakan to Myanmar just becomes as an act of terrorism nowadays when Myanmar Army kills, tortures, arrests, beheads and sets civilians of Arakan on fire alive. 

However, it is always considered necessary by Myanmar government for maintaining to Arakan as a hidden colony under the Myanmar rule. Moreover, government of Myanmar has already instructed its Army to launch military operation against the Arakan Army. So, Myanmar government also becomes the main accomplice when its Army commits crimes against the humanity in Arakan.

Every day, the worst crimes committed by Myanmar Army in Arakan are freely being given permission by government of Myanmar. Therefore, both of them , Myanmar government and Myanmar Army , are war criminals and two sides of the same coin.

Alas, an act of terrorism of Myanmar Army has grown beyond the measure in recent days in the lost Arakan to Myanmar. Much to regret of peace-loving civilians of Arakan and their leaders, the threats of an act of terrorism of Myanmar Army have been mounting in several townships in northern Arakan.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are being threatened while protecting civilians of Arakan in order to avoid Myanmar Army’s killing and arresting. Despite the frequent denunciation of this act of terrorism  of  Myanmar Army by world leaders at international forums, most of local residents are being arrested by Myanmar Army while they are travelling by boat and car in northern Arakan.

According to Arakan.news site, two days ago, the army stopped score of motorboats and arrested several villagers including the female contractor of World Bank for community development project in Thar Zay village when they were traveling by motorboats. The arrested woman is Ma U Tin May, and no one knows where she is taken to. 

Another woman – Daw Ma Than – was also arrested when a lot of soldiers are entering into the town of Poonayung and searching every house. The Myanmar soldiers also arrested four men near the town yesterday when they were going out to nearby village by small motorboat. They were badly beaten and tortured in front of the public and taken to the military base of LIB 550. Since then no one has contact with them.

Arakan.News site continues to write that residents feel fear and helpless under the lawlessness and freehand brutal government security forces’ unwarranted shooting, searching, arresting, and torturing. The town residents are victimized under the men in military uniforms who are given impunity to commit war crimes in the name of “counter insurgency operation.

Despite the constantly extension of unilateral ceasefire by Three Brotherhood Alliance , Myanmar Army intensified offensive assaults and killing civilians of Arakan

Due to Myanmar Army’s offensive military operation against the Arakan Army in the lost Arakan to Myanmar (western Myanmar) , 32 Arakanese people were killed and 68 were injured in April alone in this year .The Arakanese  media  DMG writes that April proved to be another bloody month in Arakan as at least 32 Arakanese civilian killed and 68 were injured.

The townships where the largest number of casualties are being made by Myanmar Army

across the Arakan are KyaukTaw township, Poonagyun township ,Mrauk U township and Minbya township.

Myanmar Army’s strategy while fighting against Arakan Army is just four-cut policy – cutting rations, cutting information, cutting arms and ammunition and cutting recruitments. So, Myanmar Army always targets to kill civilians of Arakan whom it presumes is that civilians of Arakan are supporting supply of above- mentioned to its enemy.   

Why Myanmar Army has been doing internet communication ban, killing civilians of Arakan, blocking humanitarian aid to war refugees and blocking international media person  nowadays is that it is just utilizing four-cut policy against the Arakan Army.But, on the other hand, Arakan Army absolutely realizes what its enemy is doing. Therefore, Arakan Army is practicing tactic to triumph four-cut policy by guerrilla war strategy. 

At the same time , the unilateral ceasefire Arakan Army and its Three Brotherhood Alliance has declared for several times is to effectively carry out practical tasks and to facilitate the peace building process between Arakan Army , its allies and the government of Myanmar and its military.

Similarly, Arakan Army and its Three Brotherhood Alliance have now extended a unilateral ceasefire from May 3, 2020 till May 31, 2020, with the aim to declare a proper bilateral ceasefire between them and the Myanmar Army, to start political dialogue, to make real developments for our peoples, to protect life and property of the general public, to maintain stability for the borders of neighbouring countries bordering with Myanmar and to support the preventive and combative measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Despite the constantly extension of unilateral ceasefire by  Three Brotherhood Alliance of the Kokang (MNTJP/MNDAA), the Ta’ang (PSLF/TNLA) and the Arakan (ULA/AA), Myanmar Army has not halted their sea-land-air joint operations against the Arakan Army but conducted the most intensified offensive assaults than ever, based on racial hatred, targeting civilians of Arakan. As a result, heavy fighting is occurring on a daily basis to date. And civilians of Arakan are being targeted to kill more and more by Myanmar Army.

Elucidating the spirit of peace

Written by Khaing Kyaw Sun DMG(Development Media Group)

Although those in power can often get away with misdeeds and injustices, it is usually the general populace who feel the weight of shame for the wrongdoing of their leaders. To this day, Germans feel a sense of disgrace due to the horrific era of Hitler and his henchmen. The world experienced the worst atrocities in human history during Hitler’s 12-year reign from 1933 to 1945.

Despite their high level of modernity and development, the Japanese too feel shame for the past deeds of older generations from the fascist era. Television dramas in Myanmar today often depict the worst Japanese atrocities and the evils of the British colonists, and when watching such shows covering these historical transitions, it can be sickening to watch those relying on the use of force and weapons to commit such atrocities, torturing and oppressing defenceless and destitute peoples.

Although many people are capable of feeling apprehension and remorse when considering such historical events, the injustices that are being committed and experienced today, in real time, frequently get short shrift. While everyone despises the villain in the movie, some become like the villains who misuse their authority. The viewer feels indignation when people in films are abused, and there is empathy for those actors who play the role of victim, yet the reckless and bullying behaviour that is taking place elsewhere — in real life — is all too often ignored.

Among humanity’s extinct civilisations, the history of the Maya serves as an interesting example as well as a useful lesson. Researchers have established that the rise and fall of Mayan civilisation can be divided into two distinct parts, with the year 761 AD as its turning point. Prior to that year, the Mayan people were systematic in the way they fought wars. However, in the period after 761 AD the systematic nature of their warfare and their structured order of battle gave way to looting and murder, destruction and pillage, ultimately marking the beginning of the end of Mayan civilisation. As such, officials in Myanmar can take note of the Mayan example and be wary and vigilant as to whether the conflicts in our country — once systematic and in accordance with the laws of war — are now leading toward a state of chaos and violence.

If conflicts evolve into a state of chaos and turmoil, rather than combat that is defined by rules, the recovery of those affected will drag on unnecessarily. A country is comprised of its peoples — if those people are suffering, then all will fall behind and suffer.

After invading a country and cleansing it of all those deemed a threat, Indian King Ashoka was confronted with scenes of corpses stacked sky-high, ruins and wailing wounded. When he heard their screams he was shocked and devastated, and failed to enjoy the taste of his victory. If one regards other people’s pain and suffering as victory, then those people lack compassion. If there is no compassion, there will be no desire for peace.

Some wars are fierce. Some wars endure for years, even decades, and are filled with cruelty. However, there is less bloodshed when those conflicts involve leaders who at heart want humanity and peace. Between 1189 and 1192, the Third Crusade ended with two kings who sought peace. Egypt’s King Saladin and England’s King Richard realised that the only things that came of their ancestors’ follies of war were misery, poverty and contempt. Despite their pride, both kings were inclined to end the war and bring about peace due to a heartfelt pain caused by the deaths of their subjects, the slaughter and destruction, and the pain and suffering across the land. Diplomats were dispatched. Negotiations and concessions were made. The war ended.

If conflicts are really to be brought to an end, excessive egos need to be replaced with loving kindness. It will not be a true spirit of peace if it is based on ego and arrogance. The mentality of peace with arrogance and ego is a lie. If those that wish for peace do so with sincerity and courage, they will take consideration of their people’s suffering. For the Crusades to end, King Richard made a profound speech, offering a proposal for peace to King Saladin. “Both your soldiers and my soldiers have died. The country is devastated. Chaos reigns. Don’t you think this is enough? Isn’t it time to stop this madness?” Richard asked. It was with these heartfelt words of compassion that the deadlock was finally broken and the fires of war that had raged for so many years were finally extinguished. This wasn’t about manipulation or taking advantage of the other party and thus their peace was genuine and durable.

The current conflict in Arakan (Rakhine) State, western Myanmar, has resulted in the destitution and displacement of more than 150,000 people. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured, and many homes in the villages have been burnt to the ground. Among those responsible, I hope there is a real and true sense of what it means to achieve peace. Only those who create war can bring about peace. The attainment of true peace is but a matter of compassion.

Myanmar Army tortures and kills motorbike repair man in Arakan

A resident, named Ko Zaw Gree ,  lived in Lake Sin Pyin village, Mrauk U township, the lost Arakan to Myanmar and made living from motorbike repair , went to town to buy forks on April 29, 2020.

By the time Ko Zaw Gree arrived Ngwe Taung buik check point , Myanmar soldiers based in Mrauk U ( Light Infantry Battalion 377) arrested him at 4 PM. His family overheard about his arrest one hour later and  rushed to LIB 377  to know whereabouts of him but  all their efforts were in vain.

In the morning of  April 30, 2020, family became to know that body of Ko Zaw Gree was in the Mrauk U  hospital for autopsy exam. His entire body had many marks of stabbed, beaten, swollen and wounded. It was not easy to recognize him, said family.

Mrauk U charity workers told media that they were asked to transport  the corpse from LIB 377 to hospital by the town police. During the 2019s,  15 Arakanese people were also killed under the detention of Myanmar Army. This killer and murder LIB 377 alone killed half dozen Arakanese people.

It was unfair and very much inhuman that Myanmar Army tortured and killed  Ko Zaw Gree who is ordinary man, making living from motorbike repair. He had left behind a three years old daughter.

The more I see of her the more I admire my dog

Myanmar soldiers cruelly beheaded and shot civilians in the Minbya Town, in the lost Arakan to Myanmar (western Myanmar) yesterday after the office of Aung San Suu Kyi published a statement signed by Aung San Suu Kyi that her government praised to Myanmar Army which is fighting against the Arakan Army on April 21, 2020.

Myanmar soldiers took position in the downtown and opened fire every motorbike rider in the evening, yesterday and beheaded with bayonet to those riders when they fell on the ground with wounds alive. It was only yesterday in which six Arakanese people were killed and beheaded by Myanmar soldiers in  Minbya Town, Arakan.

The brother of one of innocent victims told Arakan News Agency  ‘It was over 8 PM. My brother and his friend went back to his wife residence.  He was newlywed. On the way to home, the soldiers shot them in the south side ward in town and near the electric generator compound. When we took him and his friend to the hospital, they already died.  it was about 9 o’clock,"

The brother explained, “His throat was completely cut-off. His legs got very wide wounds; all bones were broken and the legs were very loosely. His face was seen very inflammatory.”  

Aung San Suu Kyi, who is heartless haughty racist ,  pays tribute to her  notorious and barbarous soldiers who have lost their lives during the fighting against the Arakan Army

in her statement but on the other hand the people of Arakan , who are being killed by her soldiers, are not regarded as what she treats her atrocious killer soldiers.  So, the more I see of her the more I admire my dog.

COVID-19 related vehicle shot in the lost Arakan to Myanmar second time

COVID-19 related vehicle was shot in the lost Arakan to Myanmar second time.  The driver U Yin Yin Maung was killed on the spot and wounded co-driver Maung Hin Htet.

When the mini-truck owned by CPS pest service company was heading to Sittwe from Rangoon, it was shot near the Ra-Maung Bridage in Mibya township, the lost Arakan to Myanmar(western Myanmar) April 20, 2020. 

The head of local human rights organization that monitors COVID 19 outbreak in Arakan Said, “I assume Myanmar Army is intentionally attacking the COVID 19 related vehicles and health workers because the Army wants our people die by the coronavirus infection whereas they believe massive Rakhine population are infected and then killed will make the Army to win the war against Arakan Army as Aung San Suu Kyi has ordered the Army to crash it.”      Arakan News Agency published yesterday.

Arakan News Agency wrote on its website that none of the organizations has yet claimed responsibility of yesterday deathly shooting. United Nations Secretary General condemned the WHO’s staff violent death and urged to bring the perpetrator to justice and US embassy in Yangon issued a statement and called all parties to halt hostility and enter for meaningful dialogue.

Arakan News Agency  continued to write on its site that Arakan Army and Myanmar army has been fighting near Ra-Maung bridge and Pha Pho village in Minbya township since last week. Score of civilians are killed in those territory. 

WHO employees killed and injured in Arakan

Myanmar soldiers shot the UN car when World Health Organization (WHO) was carrying blood samples from suspected patients of coronavirus at Sittwe hospital yesterday and the driver and health care worker injured critically.

According to Arakan Army’s statement, a WHO car with two WHO employees travelling among other passenger cars that had brought blood sample test tubes of some Coronavirus patients requested the Military post at the Front of Ra-Maung bridge for a Ra-Maung bridge crossing permit at 17:40 pm.

The fact that the military post of the Myanmar Army had fired with small guns, two WHO employees were injured when crossing the bridge with a permit. The car fell off the bridge.

We are now trying to transfer those two WHO employees to a secure place after the Arakan Army had found and rescued them in an hour later of that incident and provided them medical treatment. We will keep you updated once we receive detailed information, said Arakan Army.

The accomplice Myanmar government with criminal Myanmar Army denied and accused Arakan Army that shot the World Health Organization’s transportation car, UN 5/34, and wounded WHO’s  driver and health worker near Ramaung Bridge in Minbya township at 5 PM yesterday. 

Just yesterday, Myanmar Army killed a woman and injured six other men in Minbya Township by firing artillery shells to the village.

According to Arakan News agency,  the UN diver U Paye Sone Maung passed away today at Minbya hospital. The health worker U Aung Myo Oo has still been treated at the hospital since yesterday.

As we all know, Myanmar government itself involves every crime against humanity in Arakan by letting its  Army to do so and by directing to launch military operation against the Arakan Army .  Myanmar leaders do not change any respect of human rights and prevention of further violation of international humanitarian laws. Their habit of blanket denial and cruel attitude toward other races and religions is main factors of crimes against humanity. 

Myanmar Army arrests 39 Arakanese villagers forcefully

Myanmar Army apprehended 39 villagers who live in Kyauk site village, Poonagyun Township, the lost Arakan to Myanmar (western Myanmar) on April 19, 2020.

Among the arrestee, village chairman was also comprised.  The reason why Myanmar Army dares to arrest villagers is that villagers shared on social media about the coward and cruel  killing of Myanmar Infantry 550 based in Ponnaygun – which fired artillery shells to Kyauk Site village, 2 miles from the town, and killed eight villagers and wounded more than 10 villagers on April 14,2020.

Myanmar soldiers forcefully entered into village at wee hours in the morning and burgled every house, stealing mobile phones, jewels and cashes.

Meanwhile, they order everyone to gather at vacant ground in the village. The chairman of village protected elder people and disable people to remain at home but Myanmar soldiers refused and beat him severely and apprehended him with other 38 villagers.

Nobody knows where now they are because the arrested villagers are taken away to undisclosed location. The apprehension or anxiety among the people are rising. Villagers

shiver with apprehension because the arrested villagers can be tortured severely by atrocious Myanmar soldiers. As usually, during the detention of Myanmar soldiers, people of Arakan are being killed every now and then. No Myanmar administrator takes accountable and responsible and they are accomplices with Myanmar Army which commits heinous crimes against the people of Arakan.

A monk beaten by Myanmar Army is being cured and his six co-travellers are missing

Traveling from capital Sittwe to Mrauk U by automobile with other six travelers, a monk –

whose honorary title is Tayzawantha – was beaten to pass out at check point of

Padalate  in the outskirt of capital sittwe  in the lost Arakan to Myanmar on April 17.

The monk who dwells and meditates at Mingalarama monastery nearby laksaykan  lake  in Mrauk U Township.

When he – including other six travelers -  arrived at check point of  Padalate, Myanmar soldiers asked driver to enter into premises and ordered to get off.

After getting off, they were questioned some time by Myanmar soldiers. During the time, the monk took his mobile phone to call someone. So, angry soldiers grabbed it and broke on the ground and beat him on the face with a rifle butt. Therefore, the monk went passing out. 

After awhile, he came back conscious and found himself without religious robe on his body.

Myanmar Army’s Captain appeared and gave him ordinary dress to wear , saying to leave. So, the monk had just to do what Myanmar soldiers ordered him without knowing his co-travelers’ situation.

People still also are unable to know whereabouts of remaining six travelers. They are missing, said Mr. Khain Maung Latt , who is Member of Parliament from Phonnagyun Township.

Meanwhile, the residents from Padalate arranged the monk to reach Mratlay village and donated a new religious robe to the monk after Myanmar soldiers set on fire to the ashes

The monk has reached to stay one night at his close monk’s monastery in Mratlay village, Poonagyin Township.

Now, he is being given medical treatment in the hospital of Phonnagyun with the help of his a close monk who dwells at monastery of Mratlay village in Phonnagyun.

But nobody knows whereabouts of missing six travellers and it causes now great anxiety among the people of Arakan.