Myanmar’s military regime conferred honorary titles on eight Arakanese individuals last week, according to junta-controlled newspapers, amid months of renewed fighting in Arakan State.
As Myanmar marked National Day on November 17, a member of the regime’s governing body, the State Administration Council, Daw Aye Nu Sein; junta-appointed Arakan State chief minister Dr. Aung Kyaw Min; and former information minister Dr. Pe Myint were given ‘Thiri Pyanchi’ titles by the regime.Former deputy speaker of the Upper House U Aye Thar Aung and former deputy information minister U Aung Hla Tun were given ‘Wunna Kyawhtin’ titles, and retired deputy director general of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture Dr. Nu Mya Zan was given an “excellence in performance in the administrative field” medal.
On November 19, former Arakan State Parliament speaker and a senior leader in the Arakan National Party, U San Kyaw Hla, and Arakan Front Party chairman Dr. Aye Maung were given ‘Thiri Pyanchi’ titles, according to the regime.
The regime praised the recipients’ work for the development, peace and prosperity of the country.
“Junta leaders are giving honours for the sake of the election that the regime plans to hold next year,” political analyst U Than Soe Naing said. “What is significant about Arakan State is … the fighting ceased in 2019, and the regime is now seeking an opportunity to cooperate with the Arakan Army for peace and stability in Arakan State following the renewed fighting. The regime has conferred titles to persuade [Arakanese politicians] concerning Arakan State.”
The honorary titles drew criticisms from some in the Arakanese community as the presentation of the awards came amid heavy fighting between the military and Arakan Army, and rising civilian casualties.
“For those who were given honorary titles amid daily clashes and civilian casualties in Arakan State, it is like the regime has put a rotten dog corpse around their neck. Titles given by the junta will do no good to the image of recipients,” said veteran Arakanese politician U Pe Than.
“We will wait and see if title recipients keep silent [about junta atrocities in Arakan State]. People will not support it as those titles were given at a time when soldiers are tormenting civilians. If they have courage, politicians should reject and return those titles,” he added
