Military to Punish Unlawful Acts in Rakhine

By Htoo Thant / Myanmar Times | March 2, 2017

The military is investigating claims by international media that soldiers had violated human rights in Rakhine State, said Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Mya Tun Oo, who added that those found guilty will be severely punished.

“If it is found that any security personnel had gone against the law as reported by the media, the guilty parties would have harsh punitive actions taken in line with existing laws and military code of conduct,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference held on February 28 at Bayintnaung Villa in Nay Pyi Taw to explain the Tatmadaw’s efforts in restoring peace and stability in the Mongkoe region in northeast Shan State following an outbreak of violence in November 2016.

After violent clashes took place in Rakhine State, an on-the-ground investigation team by the Rakhine State Affairs Advisory Commission led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and investigation teams formed by government did not find evidence of unlawful acts by the security personnel.

However, following coverage by the international media apparently highlighting cases of human rights violations, the Tatmadaw has reopened a probe by forming a five-member investigation team including Lieutenant-General Aye Win.

“He is the chief military investigation officer, the highest rank investigation officer in the Tatmadaw. His verdict is final,” said the General Mya Tun Oo.

The investigation task force was formed on February 9. Additionally, a five-member investigation committee was also set up on the same day to investigate police officers. The committee includes Police Brigadier General Win Tun from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The task force and the committee will investigate whether the accused soldiers and police officers violated human rights and committed unlawful acts.

General Mya Tun Oo said that the good condition of the Bengali people was proof that accusations of genocide and religious persecution were false.

“The number of Bengali people, the mosques, and the increasing Mawlawi population are evidence against genocide and religious persecution,” he said.

Local women have been questioned in response to accusations of gang-rape attacks, and investigators have found no substantial evidence to press charges, he added. He also denied that the army burned down the houses of Bengali people.

Apart from launching its own investigations and cooperating with international probes, the government has also been assisting in rehabilitation and support in the affected areas.

Moreover, the state government has been giving out identity cards for citizenship verification in Rakhine State; citizens will obtain a full citizenship, while guest citizens will get guest-citizenship.

“Those that cannot acquire a national citizenship will have to resolve the issue with a program with international assistance,” he said.

“We regret to hear these accusations as they are ignoring the efforts of the government and the assistance of the military,” he said.

He said Bengali terrorists started fighting with border guard police camps at Kyikanpyin border guard police headquarters and Koetankauk police outpost in Yathedaung township on October 9, 2016.

The military has said that Bengali terrorists burnt houses and killed civilians and accused the government of committing those crimes. A total of 963 houses from 17 villages caught fire and 18 people died, while six were wounded.

A total of 744 Bengalis who were believed to have taken part in the attacks have been arrested and are being questioned. According to the investigation, 68 of those who were found to be innocent were released.

“We sentenced 127 Bengalis and 541 are still being detained for questioning,” the General said. There were eight people who died at the hospital during questioning as they had diseases, he added.

During the military operation, 76 Bengalis died and 60 bodies were found at the affected area. Additionally, five people died while in prison, one at the hospital, and six found dead after the military cleared the fields.

Currently, Rakhine State is enjoying a period of peace and tranquility, so the Tatmadaw’s task of carrying out Stability Operation for the region has halted.

“The current situation here is quite calm and peaceful, so the Stability Operation has been discontinued since February 1,” he said.

The responsibility for maintaining security will now be handed over to the police force, while the Tatmadaw will support police and provide protection from the outside.

However, there are reports showing that there are still 39 firearms and homemade weapons left in the possession of the Bengali terrorists which were acquired after they raided the border guard outposts. Police intelligence also revealed that weapons are still remaining with the terrorists, and there are plans to abduct security forces’ informants and carry out attacks on police stations.

Translation by Win Thaw Tar, Swe Zin Moe, Khine Thazin Han and Kyaw Soe Htet