The Arakan Army (AA) has officially renamed two towns under its control in Rakhine State—Minbya and Pauktaw—using names derived from the ancient Arakan Kingdom, local sources said.

Minbya has been renamed Anjanapura (meaning "a crystal-clear, dark-colored gem" in Pali), while Pauktaw is now Virathani ("the city of the braves").

Signboard unveiling ceremonies were held in both towns at 7:00 a.m. on July 28, marked by AA officials firing a seven-round artillery salute to signal the official adoption of the new names.

Locals and political observers view the move as a symbolic step by the United League of Arakan (ULA), the AA’s political wing, to solidify its administrative control and revive Arakanese cultural heritage.

“Changing these town names is not merely symbolic; it carries a strong political message,” a resident said, noting that the ULA/AA is actively taking state-building steps to establish itself as a governing authority in the region.

Leading up to the announcement, local administrative bodies, civil society organizations, youth, and women's groups held joint tree-planting events along the Minbya-Pauktaw Highway on July 1.

The AA currently controls 14 of Rakhine State’s 17 townships, as well as Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State.

Minbya and Pauktaw are the first towns to be officially renamed, with the group planning to restore ancient Arakanese names to other territories under its control as it expands its revolutionary governance.