- Web Master
- September 27, 2023
Analysts suggest that the Military Council's efforts to
repatriate Rohingya refugees
from Bangladesh to Myanmar are unlikely to succeed if they do not engage in
discussions with the United League of Arakan (ULA).
U Aung Thaung Shwe, a former representative of Pyithu
Hluttaw from Buthidaung township, stated that for the successful implementation
of this issue, the Military Council must engage in discussions with the ULA
government, which already holds the majority of the territory in Rakhine,
otherwise there is no feasible way to achieve success in this matter.
"When the ULA/AA has significant control over
territory, I don't believe the refugee readmission issue will succeed if the
military council acts unilaterally without engaging in discussions with the ULA
government," he remarked.
In response to international pressure, the military council
is working towards the repatriation of refugees who had fled to Bangladesh.
On September 2, a delegation led by Union Minister U Ko Ko
Hlaing of the Military Council showcased the preparations made by the Military
Council in the Maungdaw region for the returning refugees to the heads of 16
embassies and diplomats stationed in Myanmar.
The delegation flew into Sittwe Township on September 1, and
the following day, they traveled to Maungdaw Township using military
helicopters via Sittwe.
Throughout their trip, they visited the Taung Pyo Let Wae
reception center, Kyein Chaung (South) village designated for refugee
resettlement, and the Hla Phoe Khaung transit camp.
The delegation comprises U Ko Ko Hlaing, Deputy Chairman of
the Rakhine State Stability and Development Coordination Committee 1 and Union
Minister of the Ministry of International Cooperation, Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, Advisor
to the Chairman of the Military Council, General Khun Thant Zaw Htoo, Deputy
Minister of Border Affairs, as well as heads of 16 embassies and diplomats.
The Military Council has not provided information about the
specific countries represented by the 16 embassies.
U Aung Shwe Thaung, a former representative of Pyithu
Hluttaw from Buthidaung township, noted that previous efforts to facilitate the
return of refugees during the National League for Democracy (NLD) era were
unsuccessful. Currently, the Military Council is in the preliminary stages of
engaging with the international community regarding the refugee acceptance
plan, and achieving success is proving to be a significant challenge.
He continued to express doubts about the Military Council's
ability to achieve success in the refugee repatriation process, especially
considering the current infiltration of Rakhine State by the ARSA group and the
growing public concern.
"In the current scenario, there have been reported
incidents of ARSA-related killings in Bangladesh, and there are concerns about
their presence and activities in Rakhine state. Given these circumstances, how
realistic is the prospect of implementing the refugee readmission plan?" U
Aung Shwe Thaung further questioned.
On March 8, the heads of embassies from ASEAN countries and
neighboring nations, accompanied by a team led by the Military Council, visited
the Maungdaw region to observe the Military Council's efforts related to
refugee reception.
United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) spokesperson U
Khaing Thukha also criticized the Military Council's actions as a mere show to
enhance their international image.
U Khaing Thukha made the above remarks during the seventh
press conference of ULA/AA, which was held on February 27 at 10:00 am.
"The idea of readmitting Muslims appears to be largely
a facade. This is because, except for Rakhine State and some areas within
FPNCC-controlled regions, national stability remains elusive, and security
remains uncertain. We believe that the Military Council may have various
political considerations underlying this matter," he commented.
The Muslim refugees in Bangladesh are requesting the Myanmar
Military Council to fulfill three key points upon their return to Myanmar,
which include the ability to return to their homes with dignity, resettlement
in their original homes, the granting of citizenship rights, and the assurance
of security guarantees.
"The refugees are willing to return if the Military
Council grants the three requested points. However, since the Military Council
has not met the refugees' demands, there is a delay," said a Muslim close
to the refugees.
According to the United Nations, approximately 700,000
Muslims sought refuge in Bangladesh as a result of the Myanmar military's
clearance operations during the conflict in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and
Rathedaung townships in 2016 and 2017.