ANP will decide in party meeting to respond on the invitation of UEC

Narinjara News, 7 October 202

The Military Council appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has invited the Arakan National Party (ANP) to discuss the ANP’s statement regarding the renewed fighting in Rakhine State. 

Days back, the ANP issued a statement where it strongly condemned the damage and casualties caused by the military artillery firings.

The party chairman U Tha Tun Hla has confirmed that the Union Election Commission sent an invitation to ANP. However, the final decision whether it should proceed with it will be finalized in the party meeting.

“We have received the invitation letter on Wednesday. They want to discuss with us regarding the statement. I can’t say anything at this moment and the final decision will be taken in the meeting only,” stated the chairman.

Mentionable is that the ANP released a statement regarding the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State. Four main points, which were mentioned in the statement, include-

1. Earnestly request the armed groups not to garrison and take cover in the neighborhoods and villages of Rakhine State during the conflicts

2. Strongly condemn and protest the civilian casualties and damages of properties due to artillery shells fired by the Myanmar military personnel

3. Call for withdrawal of the ban on NGOs, INGOs and CSOs, which are providing humanitarian supports to civilians

4. Some townships, both in war zones and no-armed conflicts, have been isolated by closing the land and waterways which emerges as a threat to the livelihood of locals in those areas.

As the statement was issued, the chairman spoke to Narinjara News and said, “Many civilians have been killed and injured as the fighting had resumed and intensified in various localities. A number of private and public buildings were also damaged. The transportation of food items, medicine and other essential goods were cut off due to the blockade of roads and waterways. The residents in some townships are in more trouble. The number of people escaping the conflicts has increased by the tens of thousands. That’s why we decided to issue the statement.”