During a recent meeting withMuslim leaders in Maungdaw, the junta forces stated that if they cooperate withthe military regime, the junta will equip them with weapons, said a Muslimleader who was present on the occasion.

On 9 February, at number 5border guard police battalion at  Myo Thu Gyi village under Maungdawtownship, junta’s division commander Thurein Tun and district administrator NayOo organised  a meeting with the administrators and Mawlawi (Muslim religiousscholars) from the locality.

"During the meeting,Thurein Tun persuaded us that we (Muslims) are suffering because of the Rakhinepeople and hence we must take up arms against them. If there is a battle nearour village, the commander assured that the soldiers will not harm ourvillagers. Only the Rakhine villagers will be targeted, he said, adding that weshould cooperate with the junta," said the Muslim leader.

The Muslim administratorsand Mawlawi, who attended the meeting, said that they will consider theproposal if they were recognized as citizens of Myanmar. But many Muslims didnot agree with the proposal.

"Some of our leadersinsisted on recognizing us as genuine citizens. But most of them did not agreewith the proposal to take up arms against the Rakhine people. But both ThureinTun and Nay Oo persuaded them to do so," he claimed.

Reports coming from thejunta forces also indicate that they are organising meetings with Muslimleaders in Buthidaung township too with the same intention.

Photo: This photo was taken in 2016 at a meeting between Muslim leaders and military officers in Maungdaw.