Mizzima
The Arakan Army (AA) has issued a warning advising people against gathering in large crowds in both urban and rural areas to celebrate the Thingyan water festival amid the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State.
The statement, issued at the start of the holiday, cautioned people to refrain from congregating at Thingyan pavilions, attending concert shows, driving in cars with many passengers, and participating in mass fasting rituals at monasteries. These measures were advised to prevent potential mass casualties and injuries during the Thingyan festivities.
The report highlighted concerns that areas perceived to be densely populated might become targets for aerial and heavy ammunition bombardment by the military regime.
On the other hand, the junta’s Rakhine State Minister, Hla Thein, asserted plans to proceed with the Thingyan water festival in Rakhine State as initially scheduled, as announced on 4 April via MRTV. However, he mentioned that only one central pavilion would be operational for a limited duration in Sittwe Capital, which remains under the junta’s control.
Since 13 November, battles between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta have escalated in Rakhine State. Presently, the AA has taken control of nine towns, including Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myaebon, Pauktaw, and Ramree, out of the 17 towns in Rakhine State and Paletwa town in Chin State.
Residents reported continuous civilian casualties resulting from explosions and aerial bombardments carried out by the junta in some AA-controlled towns.
