The Arakan Army (AA) says it has instructed its commanders on the ground to avoid military problems in Arakan State at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic and the rainy season are making life difficult for the people.

At the moment, lending a helping hand to the people is a priority and military conflicts will be avoided as much as possible, but military action will be considered if necessary, said AA chief Major-General Twan Mrat Naing in an interview with Arakkha Media on August 15.

“I have instructed ground commanders to avoid military problems during this time of pandemic and the rainy season. … Our first priority is to give a helping hand to the people. Therefore, the AA must avoid military problems as much as possible and consider the military as necessary,” Major-General Twan Mrat Naing said.

He continued that Myanmar’s military regime has repeatedly objected to the administrative and judicial assertions of the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State and the ethnic armed group is closely monitoring the Tatmadaw’s military operations.

“We face opposition from the military council to our administration and the judiciary. Local commanders objected to what we were doing through intermediaries. From their point of view, they are right. From our point of view, we are doing what we should be doing. We are monitoring closely as the Tatmadaw tightens its military presence and makes threats,” the AA chief explained.

On August 1, the United League of Arakan (ULA), the political wing of the Arakan Army, announced plans to establish a judiciary parallel to the existing legal system in the state, saying it would be accepting complaints in an effort to provide another path to justice for the wronged.

Following the ULA’s statement, the Tatmadaw has expanded its military presence in some Arakan State townships, with locals worried that fighting will resume.

Major-General Twan Mrat Naing went on to say that the Arakan Army has not yet signed any political agreement except for a temporary ceasefire with the military.