Arakkha Government Welcomes Back and Resettles Displaced Persons Who Fled to Bangladesh

During the intense fighting between the Military Commission and the Arakan Army (AA) in the Arakan in 2024, many minority residents from several villages near the Arakan-Bangladesh border, including Taung Pyo, Mee taik, and Thin Baw Hla, fled to Bangladesh due to military conditions and security concerns.

Since these border areas connect with Bangladesh and are regions where armed groups like the terrorist ARSA, RSO, RIM, and ARA operate, the Arakan Army (AA) issued emergency calls for local community defense militia training in 2024 based on regional conditions. This measure aimed to ensure local security, promote community self-defense, and protect the lives, homes, and property of local residents.

Following this, on March 18, 2025, the United League of Arakan Army (ULA/AA) enacted the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP).

The provision mandates that one person per household specifically women aged 18 to 35 and men aged 18 to 45 must serve in the military for a duration of two years. Under this provision, individuals eligible for military service are restricted from leaving their local areas, and transporting them out of the region for a fee is strictly prohibited.

According to local accounts, minority residents in border villages experienced heightened anxiety over the military situation. Compounded by the instigations of armed terrorist groups, they began fleeing to Bangladesh in August 2024.

However, after experiencing severe hardships regarding livelihood, employment, education, and healthcare while sheltering in Bangladesh, these individuals are now returning to their home regions as security and administrative mechanisms in the Arakan area gradually stabilize.

According to on-the-ground observations, the Arakkha Government has formally welcomed back those who returned. The administration is arranging accommodation and providing the necessary assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

U Thar Tun Maung, a returnee of the Thet ethnic minority from Mee taik Village, shared his experience: "As the fighting intensified, we fled to Bangladesh for our family's survival. However, things became even more difficult there. There were no jobs, and we faced immense challenges just to get food.

Therefore, we decided to return, thinking that even if we die, we would rather be in Arakan State working to make things right. Upon our arrival, we reported to the local administration. Although they questioned us about why we left and why we returned, no legal action or punishment was taken against us."

Political analysts noted that accepting individuals who previously crossed the border to flee military conflict and militia training calls is a significant step toward regional reconciliation and social stability.

One political analyst commented: "Since border areas like Taungpyo and Meetike are active zones for groups like ARSA and RSO, it is natural for the AA to conduct military training for regional security. However, minority populations who lacked access to clear information likely fled out of fear."

The analyst added: "The return of citizens who left their homes and fled to Bangladesh due to the military situation in the Arakan region is a sign of restoring regional stability. Crucially, being able to accept these returnees without taking punitive action against them is a vital step in building trust between the public and the administration."

Currently, since the enactment of the NDEP, a large number of citizens from various townships across the Arakkha region have been arriving to attend military training in accordance with the specified criteria. According to sources close to the residents, a growing number of people are participating in these training sessions with the purpose of safeguarding regional security and protecting their lives and properties.

Local residents also reported that the Arakan Army (AA) is currently clearing dense mountainous terrain, repairing roads, and opening transportation routes to facilitate local security and convenient travel.

According to data compiled, Mee taik Village consists of approximately 135 households with a population of about 295 people, while Thinbawhla Village comprises around 151 households with a population of about 670 people.

At present, those who returned from Bangladesh have been resettled in their original villages, and efforts for livelihood rehabilitation and regional stability are ongoing.

Consequently, residents point out that welcoming back and arranging accommodation for individuals who had to leave their regions due to various reasons amidst military conflicts reflects the Arakkha People's Revolutionary Government's stance on reconciliation and humanitarian principles.