AA Chief Twan Mrat Naing Speaks on Rohingya Issue in Irrawaddy Interview

Arakan Now | 20 September 2025

Arakan Army (AA) Commander-in-Chief Twan Mrat Naing has said that "practical action matters more than words" in addressing the Rohingya issue, during an interview with the Irrawaddy News Agency.

He dismissed allegations that more than 700 Rohingya were killed in the massacre at Htan Shauk Kan Village, Buthidaung Township, on 2 May 2024, insisting that only junta troops were involved.

Commenting on the Bangladesh government's announcement to begin repatriation of Rohingya refugees next year, as well as discussions at an international conference in August, the AA chief claimed that Bangladesh has focused mainly on securing international aid rather than pursuing a genuine solution to the crisis.

Twan Mrat Naing further alleged that some senior officers of Bangladesh's Border Guard Force (BGB) have been cultivating Rohingya armed groups such as ARSA and RSO, and deploying them to fight inside Rakhine State.

He stressed that in the current situation, when people across Myanmar, including Rakhine State, are struggling with multiple hardships, Rohingya repatriation cannot be treated as an immediate priority.

Regarding the official stance of the United League of Arakan (ULA) and Arakan Army (AA), he said it will depend on Rohingya loyalty to Myanmar and Rakhine State and their respect for the law. Under the theme of "action over words," he added, the groups seek to build unity and solidarity.