For Immediate Release
January 10, 2025
Arakan Rohingya National Alliance (ARNA) Strongly Condemns Horrific Bombing of Kaman Muslim Village
The Arakan Rohingya National Alliance (ARNA) vehemently condemns the Myanmar military junta’s brutal airstrike on the Kaman Muslim village of Kyauk Ni Maw village in Ramre Island, Rakhine State. This heinous attack, which occurred on January 8 Jan 2025, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 40 innocent civilian lives, including women and children and injured around 50 people.
The indiscriminate bombing of villages is a stark reminder of the ongoing atrocities committed by the Myanmar military against ethnic and religious minorities in Rakhine State. The Kaman Muslims, like the Rohingya, have long suffered discrimination and violence, despite being recognized citizens of Myanmar.
This attack follows a disturbing pattern of escalating violence in Rakhine State, where both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army have engaged in hostilities that have disproportionately affected civilian populations. The use of airstrikes and heavy artillery in populated areas demonstrates a blatant disregard for civilian life and violates international humanitarian law.
ARNA calls for:
- An immediate cessation of all military operations targeting civilian areas in Rakhine State.
- A thorough and independent investigation into this attack and all other alleged war crimes committed in Rakhine State.
- Unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach all affected communities in Rakhine State, including Rohingya, Kaman, and other minorities.
- The international community to take concrete actions to hold the Myanmar military accountable for its crimes against humanity.
We stand in solidarity with our Kaman brothers and sisters during this difficult time. The suffering of the Kaman Muslims echoes the plight of the Rohingya and underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the crisis in Rakhine State that ensures the rights, safety, and dignity of all ethnic and religious communities.
ARNA reiterates its commitment to working towards a peaceful and inclusive Rakhine State where all communities can coexist without fear of persecution or violence. We urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to engage in meaningful dialogue to bring an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued our region for too long.
For further inquiries, please contact:
secretariat@thearna.org
About ARNA:
The Arakan Rohingya National Alliance (ARNA) was formed to align all Rohingya leadership and provide a unified policy framework for the community. It serves as an alliance of Rohingyas from within Myanmar, refugee camps, internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, and the Rohingya diaspora.
Main Objective of ARNA
The primary objective of ARNA is to unify the Rohingya people under one alliance, amplifying their voices, and to achieve their right of self-determination within the Federal Union of Myanmar. This includes advocating for their right to return to their homes, securing justice for atrocities committed against them, and ensuring their political and human rights are recognized and upheld.