Religious leaders and residents in Arakan (Rakhine) State areas currently under Arakan Army (AA) control said people of different faiths can now freely celebrate their religious festivals, with interfaith harmony reportedly on the rise.
The United League of Arakan (ULA), the political wing of the AA, has allowed Islamic, Hindu, and Christian religious ceremonies to take place without restriction, while also providing administrative and security support.
Religious leaders noted that under the junta, religious practices were often restricted and communities faced discrimination, but those obstacles have largely been removed under ULA administration.
“A Christian pastor expressed gratitude, saying that the ULA had helped build a church for their community while they were displaced by the conflict. A Muslim leader also noted that in the past, they had to submit formal requests just to replace a single metal sheet on a religious school, but those problems no longer existed,” said author Wai Hin Aung.
Recent events highlight the change. On February 4, the 18th graduation ceremony of a Christian Bible school took place in an AA-controlled area, with ULA officials attending, awarding cash prizes to students, and formally recognizing their achievements.
During the 75th Rāmanavamī, a major Hindu celebration in Maungdaw Township, the ULA provided 35 million MMK in financial support. Officials attended the event to show respect and support for the practice.
Additionally, ULA representatives attended the graduation ceremony of the Islamic Religious University on February 2, honoring Muslim students’ academic achievements.
Social aid workers said the situation has improved significantly compared to the junta era, when religious freedom was heavily curtailed and discrimination was widespread.
“In the past, we didn’t have any religious freedom, everything was just suppression and discrimination because of our faith. Now, under the ULA, we really have full and true freedom,” said Ko Pyae Phyo Naing, chairman of the Ponnagyun Youths Association (PYA).
Observers also noted that the ULA is not only expanding religious freedom but also promoting equal rights in movement and economic opportunities for residents across AA-controlled areas, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
