Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
The ruling military council in Myanmar has announced the imposition of martial law in 14 townships in Arakan State currently under the control of the Arakan Army, sparking widespread concern among local residents amid indications of preparations for a military offensive to retake these areas during the state of emergency declared by the council on July 31. The emergency measures now cover 63 townships across nine states and regions.
Military analysts confirmed that the Myanmar army is planning to launch extensive offensive operations during the 90-day state of emergency, including large-scale ground attacks and airstrikes aimed at regaining control over areas outside its influence, particularly townships in Arakan State and Paletwa in Chin State.
Field reports indicate the deployment of significant military reinforcements, including weapons and ammunition, to Arakan State, alongside naval drills in the Bay of Bengal in preparation for a potential attack on the border town of Maungdaw, near Bangladesh. Local sources also reported the arrival of naval forces in areas south of the town.
This military buildup has caused widespread alarm among the people of Arakan, from both the Rakhine and Rohingya ethnic groups. Residents circulated calls for mass evacuation should fighting break out, with some saying, “If the Muslims flee the fighting, let’s all leave the town together. We’ll go wherever you go.”
In a statement to Arakan News Agency, a Rohingya resident from Buthidaung expressed fear of a fate similar to that of Palestinians in Gaza, saying: “We are deprived of basic rights such as movement, employment, and farming. We survive on begging. If fighting erupts, we will even lose the right to life. The international community must closely monitor what is happening.”
Last Thursday, the ruling military council in Myanmar announced the formation of an interim government, lifting the state of emergency that had been in place since the 2021 coup, while imposing martial law and emergency rule in more than 60 townships across nine regions and states. This move is seen as a formal step toward holding general elections in December and January.
Myanmar’s general elections include electing the Union Parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw), which comprises the House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw) elected from various constituencies, and the House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw), elected from different states and regions. According to the 2008 Constitution, the military appoints 25% of the members in both houses.
After the parliament is elected, the president is selected from among three candidates. The president then appoints the government, while the military retains control over key ministries Defense, Home Affairs, and Border Affairs and holds veto power over any constitutional amendments due to its 25% share in parliament.
