Arakanese politicians face public backlash over junta-backed NCA event
Arakanese political parties, the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and junta-appointed Arakanese ministers attended the ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), held in Nay Pyi Taw on October 11 and 12.
DMG Newsroom
17 October 2026, Nay Pyi Taw
Arakanese political parties, the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and junta-appointed Arakanese ministers attended the ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), held in Nay Pyi Taw on October 11 and 12.
The Arakan Army (AA) currently controls 14 townships in Arakan State. The military junta, seeking to regain lost territory, has launched counteroffensives on at least seven fronts, including Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships, Ayeyarwady, Bago and Magway regions, and Chin State, resulting in ongoing fierce battles.
As intense fighting continues across Arakan State, Arakanese political figures who attended the junta-sponsored NCA anniversary ceremony have faced widespread public backlash.
Addressing the criticism, Arakan Front Party (AFP) Chairman Dr. Aye Maung defended his attendance, saying revolutionary movements are pursuing their goals through bloody armed struggle.
“Whether in Arakan, Kachin and Shan states, or central Myanmar, governments exist based on the populace,” Dr. Aye Maung said. “Every armed organization involved in armed conflict takes up arms to secure a better future for its people. That is a political goal. On one hand, forces unite the public to wage armed revolution, pursuing political aims through a bloody revolutionary path.”
Dr. Aye Maung added that ethnic armed groups should consider the hardship and poverty caused by armed clashes in their respective regions and instead choose to come to the political table by signing the NCA.
Arakan-based political organizations attending the anniversary ceremony included the AFP, led by Dr. Aye Maung; the Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP), led by U Ba Shein; and the ALP, led by Daw Saw Mra Razar Lin. Junta-appointed minister U Than Maung also attended.
ALP Chair Daw Saw Mra Razar Lin said organizations involved in armed conflict could no longer afford to use appealing language about bringing peace while looking only after their own parties, families, organizations or ethnic groups.
“It is critical to openly discuss why this crisis arose and address its root causes,” Daw Saw Mra Razar Lin said. “If people speak beautiful words on the outside while maintaining different motives internally, achieving lasting peace will be extremely difficult.”
Daw Saw Mra Razar Lin asserted that although the NCA framework is far from perfect, it remains the country’s most essential accord and cannot be rendered void.
Arakanese political organizations attending the junta-backed event in Nay Pyi Taw have not voiced objections, issued condemnations or submitted formal parliamentary motions regarding civilian deaths caused by junta killings and airstrikes in Arakan State.
Consequently, Arakanese people have criticized these figures for actively participating in events in Nay Pyi Taw presented as peace gatherings, arguing that the organizations do not represent the Arakanese public.
The 11th anniversary ceremony was attended by military junta cabinet members, representatives of seven NCA signatory groups, political parties contesting upcoming elections and peace mediators.
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