The Tatmadaw has called up leaders of Muslim villages in Kyauktaw Township to tell them not to accept the authority of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) in Rakhine State, whose hold over the area has grown since an informal ceasefire late last year temporarily ending years of conflict.

According to its spokesperson Khine Thukha, the Tatmadaw is trying to disrupt the rule of law that the ethnic armed organisation (EAO) has established in the region.

"I heard that the Burma Army (BA) called up Muslim headmen and told them to reject ULA/AA's civilian administration and report us if we commit crimes," Khine Thukha told NMG.

The ULA/AA announced on 1 August that it'll take over judicial affairs in Rakhine State and criminal cases will be tried in a court controlled by the EAO.

According to a Muslim village leader, BA has warned him not to attend so-called civil administration courses or police training offered by ULA/AA.

The military summoned the village headmen to the meeting at its Light Infantry Battalion-375, under Military Operation Command, in Kyauktaw on 6 September.

According to locals, in August, the BA called on Rakhine and Muslim leaders to report ULA/AA's movement in Kyaukpyu Township.

It has been about 10 months since fighting between BA and AA. However, the military has started to send more troops to some townships in the state and increase patrols, which worries residents as they fear a resurgence of the conflict.