Ways Should Be Found to Reduce Widespread Warfare

Ways Should Be Found to Reduce Widespread Warfare

Arakha Times (15-November-2024)

Currently, in Myanmar, including Rakhine State, conflicts are intensifying in multiple regions, and ways to reduce the spread of warfare should be found, said Major Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), which has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), to Arakha Times.

He added that this way should be through negotiations.

Major Khun Okkar said, “The current warfare has expanded significantly. In Rakhine, the situation is quite severe. In other places, too, things are happening. Aircraft are constantly dropping bombs, so we need to find ways to calm and reduce this somewhat. I believe that finding such ways should come from a negotiation approach. If mediators from third parties could facilitate this negotiation path, it might emerge to halt the spread of warfare.”

The renewed conflict in Rakhine emerged on November 13, following Operation 1027, which began in northern Shan State on October 27, 2023.

In Rakhine State, there hasn’t been fighting for a year, but only certain towns, like the state capital Sittwe, Kyauk Phyu, where there are Chinese projects, and Man Aung, remain fully under the control of the military government.

On the military government side, they are seen using air strikes and bombings, as well as ground, naval, and air forces, to reclaim lost territories.

Currently, neighboring countries have been making efforts regarding Myanmar’s peace.

India has invited political parties, while China has exerted pressure by closing border gates on three northern groups.

Additionally, during a meeting in Kunming, China, on November 7, it was reported in Thai news that the chairperson of the military council met with the Thai Prime Minister and extended support for Myanmar’s peace.

Thus, political and military analysts suggest that the discussions scheduled in Thailand in December need to be closely monitored.

If inclusive negotiations can be initiated, it would be most effective to start with humanitarian aid, said Major Khun Okkarr, Chairman of PNLO-NCA/S, to Arakha Times.

“No one truly wins in this ‘I’m winning, you’re winning’ scenario. Those enduring are the people within towns, villages, refugees, IDPs, and civilians affected by the conflict. People are getting weary of the suffering caused by this conflict. The public may engage in conflict, complicate, or even fight in it, but the adverse effects of conflict are harsh. Refugees have no one to look after them. There’s no one to feed them. Even if international assistance arrives, systems have been created to make entry and exit difficult. So, if a negotiation starts, the first agenda should be humanitarian support. For now, we’re observing what Thailand will do. Laos has passed, and Jakarta has passed without results. We expect that Thailand might take their side. We hope that it could produce results in Thailand.”

The renewed conflict in Rakhine began on November 13, 2024, marking one year since its start. During this year, the military council has relinquished control over 10 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State, as well as Paletwa township in Chin State.