In Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, Muslims marched in protest against the Arakan Army (AA) while being pressured by the Junta to organize a similar demonstration the next day (March 22).
About 20 people participated in the protest in Aung Mingalar ward in Sittwe on March 21.
On March 22, Muslim residents of Thaechaung and Darpai wards were called to a meeting at the Thaechaung Committee office, where they faced pressure to stage another protest, a Muslim social activist said.
"As far as I understand, the ward administration members pressured at least 20 people to protest. Today, they have once again demanded protests around Thaechaung and Darpai. They have threatened to conscript the Muslims in the military if they refuse to protest. Authorities also guaranteed they will provide materials like vinyls for the protest”, he told Narinjara.
The protesters displayed placards and banners with messages such as 'Protect Sittwe', 'Reject Civil War', and 'Oppose Terrorist AA'.
Pro-Junta media and lobbying channels have inflated reports, claiming hundreds of Muslims protested AA in Aung Mingalar, Kathe and Thantawli wards.
"The Junta is trying to stir up ethnic and religious conflicts, as its final resort. It is crucial for all Rakhine State residents not to be fooled by this deception. This chaos is the result of a few selfish individuals. Rest assured; we stand firmly with AA in this fight”, the aforementioned source added.
AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha also suggested that the Junta had pressured Muslims in areas under its control to protest, disregarding their consent.
"Some people and countries are using the chaos to their advantage by teaming up with the Junta. We must keep a close eye on them. AA is closely watching every development and will respond as needed”, he said.
On March 19, Muslims staged an anti-AA protest in Buthidaung Township under the Junta's manipulation.
Locals reported that some Muslims wearing military uniforms were involved in looting incidents in Buthidaung alongside Junta troops.
According to AA's statements, the Junta is deploying short-term trained Muslims in skirmishes against AA.
