Mizzima
The National Unity Government (NUG) released a statement about the situation in Buthidaung in Rakhine State, in particular the treatment of the Rohingya by the junta.
Below is the 21 April 2024 statement:
1. We have noted that military junta has forcibly recruited Rohingyas living inside Rakhine State as soldiers, provided them with military training, and equipped them with weapons with the intention of provoking communal conflict.
2. Similarly, we have found that the military junta has carried out malicious and cunning acts by making Rohingyas organise fake demonstrations, along with forcing them to act as if they oppose the Arakan Army, who are fighting against the terrorist military to escalate ethnic conflict.
3. In addition, the terrorist military has been blatantly burning and destroying homes of civilians and office buildings of international humanitarian aid organisations, as well as perpetrating other acts of violence in Buthidaung.
4. The National Unity Government strongly condemns the subversive acts that are destroying the peaceful coexistence of the people in Rakhine State. We make a special plea to the population to be cautious and mindful of the political tricks employed by the terrorist military to create ethnic conflict. We urge the exercise of inter-ethnic trust, mutual respect, understanding and tolerance.
