Rohingya Repatriation Quandary: Arakan Army’s Role in Rakhine

In 2017, the world bore witness to a horrifying and inhumane tragedy. Myanmar's military launched a campaign targeting specific ethnic groups, forcibly displacing the Muslim population of Rakhine State by labelling them as 'Bengali.' This brutal persecution led to the expulsion of 750,000 Rohingya people into Bangladesh. The Border Guard Policemen, overwhelmed by an Arakan Army attack after seven years, sought refuge in Bangladesh. Currently, no area remains under the control of the Junta except for Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State. Amidst this turmoil, the question arises: Can the Rohingya refugees, sheltered in various camps in Cox's Bazar, return to their homeland with dignity? To find an answer, we must delve into history.

Historical Relations between Arakan and Bengal

The state of Rosang (also known as Rakhine) in western Myanmar has a longstanding relationship with Bengal. In ancient times, Rakhine was an independent kingdom, engaging in significant commercial and cultural exchanges with Bengal. In Rosang, Bengali traders traded spices and other goods. During the Mughal rule, Bengal's ties with the Rosang kingdom grew stronger. In the 1660s, Rosang gained prominence within the Mughal Empire. Bengal's ruler maintained military and diplomatic relations with Rosang. Mediaeval poets, including Alaol, vividly depicted this relationship. Under British colonial rule, Rakhine State became part of British India. This shift altered communication patterns between the Rakhine region and Bengal. The relations between Rakhine State and Bangladesh are quite complex nowadays. The Rohingya crisis is an important issue in the relationship between the two regions. The persecution of Rohingyas and their arrival in Bangladesh have had a profound impact on Bangladesh-Myanmar relations.

Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar

The Rohingya are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group living in Myanmar's Rakhine state who practice Islam. Their history stretches back centuries. The Rohingyas claim to have lived as part of Arab, Mughal, and Portuguese-influenced settlements in ancient times. However, the Myanmar government identifies them as immigrants from Bangladesh and refuses to grant them citizenship. Since Myanmar's independence in 1948, the Rohingya have been fighting for citizenship and equal rights. In 1978, 1991-1992, 2012, 2016-2018, the Myanmar military carried out crackdowns against them. In 2017, more than 750,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh as a result of the persecution of the Rohingya community. The torture is considered a genocide by the international community and is being investigated by the International Criminal Court.

Historical Context of the Rohingya-Rakhine Conflict

The history of conflict between Rohingyas and Rakhines is long. Rakhine (Arakan) was an independent state, conquered by Burma (present-day Myanmar) in 1784 and later became part of the British colony. During World War II, the Rohingya fought against the Japanese with the support of the British, which further complicated their relationship with the Rakhine Buddhists. Since Myanmar's independence in 1948, repression against the Rohingya has continued. So they have been struggling for civil and equal rights. In 1948, the Rohingyas demanded a separate Muslim state in Buthidong and Mangdu townships. In 1978, the Myanmar government launched a military operation called 'Operation Dragon King', which was the first major example of persecution of the Rohingya. In 1991-1992, the Myanmar government again launched a military campaign against the Rohingya, known as 'Operation Clean and Beautiful Nation'. As a result, about two and a half million Rohingya fled to Bangladesh.

Recent History

In 2016, Rohingya insurgent group 'Harakah al-Yakin' attacked Myanmar border posts, which resulted in massive crackdown by the Myanmar army against Rohingya. In 2017, the Myanmar government launched a 'clearance operation', which resulted in about 750,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh. The role of the Rakhine population, Arakan Army (AA), and United League of Arakan (ULA) during the 2017 Rohingya infiltration was complex. The Rakhine population views the Rohingya as 'Bengalis' and does not recognise them as permanent residents of Rakhine State. The ULA-AA denies allegations of torture against Rohingya and says it is providing security, shelter, food, medical care, and clothing to Rohingya in areas under its control. The situation of the Rohingya has worsened due to sectarian violence and military conflict in Rakhine State. The participation of Rohingya armed groups in the fight against Myanmar's military government is relatively low. AA mainly works in the interests of the Rakhine people; they are not willing to establish relations with Rohingya insurgent groups. Their relationship with Arsa is bitterly hostile, and with RSO, somewhat colder but with room for sympathy.

Rohingya Participation in the Janta Force

After Operation 1027, the issue of Rohingya participation in the Myanmar Army in the war against the Arakan Army has been discussed and debated. Myanmar's junta has attempted to force Rohingya men into its ranks. They have tried to force Rohingya youths to undergo military training and send them to the battlefield. The junta that forcibly displaced the Rohingyas to Bangladesh and the Rohingyas' taking up arms clearly shows their distrust of the Rakhine population. Operation 1027 was a significant and coordinated insurgency operation against the military junta in Myanmar. In this operation, the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) formed the 'Three Brotherhood Alliance'. Operation 1027 brought about profound changes in the military and political landscape of Myanmar. Operation 1027 resulted in the insurgents establishing control over important territories and trade routes in northern Shan State. Janta force morale collapsed, and many soldiers surrendered or fled. The blockade of the main trade routes in northern Shan State has deprived the junta of their primary source of income.

Political and International Implications

Operation 1027 received local and international support. It is believed that China has mild support for this campaign. Rebels have set up interim administrative structures in areas controlled by the junta. Operation 1027 increased cohesion and cooperation among rebel groups. The young leaders of Arakan Army are leading the organisation with their modern vision and innovative strategies, which have gained huge support among the new generation. The Arakan Army has gained a lot of popularity among the local people as it works with specific objectives focused on the development of the people of the Rakhine region. They are prioritising education, health, and economic development. Arakan Army has made its organisation more effective and connected by using modern information technology. Using social media and other technologies, they have been able to communicate with people quickly and effectively. By establishing relations with and garnering support from international circles, the Arakan Army made their struggle known in the global context, which increased international support for them. The Arakan Army is actively participating in addressing the needs and problems of the people by engaging with different sections of the people. This has played a crucial role in increasing their popularity and support.

Future of Rohingya Repatriation

Despite the signing of several repatriation agreements between Myanmar and Bangladesh, no significant repatriation of Rohingya has yet occurred. The main reasons cited were the Myanmar authorities' inability to guarantee security and the denial of citizenship to the Rohingya. Arakan Army's recent military successes make them a strong contender against the Myanmar Army. The Rohingya crisis has become an important national and international issue for Bangladesh. To solve this crisis, Bangladesh has to take diplomatic, political, social, and economic steps. If Bangladesh's actions at the national and international levels are effective, it will be possible to move towards solving the Rohingya crisis.

Regional and Global Coordination

Regional and global coordination is crucial in dealing with the Rohingya crisis. SAARC, ASEAN, OIC, and other regional organisations should play an active role in solving this crisis. We must increase regional cooperation to ensure the Myanmar government stops the persecution of the Rohingya and ensures their safe repatriation. The international community must put pressure on the Myanmar government to guarantee Rohingya citizenship and basic human rights. In this case, the Rohingya issue should be discussed in various forums, including the United Nations and the European Union. International humanitarian organisations must provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas so that they can lead safe and dignified lives. The media should portray the correct picture of the Rohingya crisis and encourage the international community to play an active role in solving the crisis. National and international legal steps must be taken to resolve the Rohingya crisis. The case against Myanmar at the International Criminal Court should continue. Human rights organisations must take effective steps to ensure the rights and protection of the Rohingya. Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals' (FDMN) camps should be developed so that Rohingyas get basic rights and services.

If the above measures can be implemented effectively, it is expected that significant progress will be possible in solving the Rohingya crisis. The rise of the Arakan Army in Rakhine State and the complications of Rohingya repatriation are major challenges for Bangladesh. Coordinated efforts at national and international levels are needed to meet this challenge. Significant progress will be possible in solving the Rohingya crisis if Bangladesh can effectively implement its actions. The active role of the international community, human rights organisations, media, and regional organisations in solving the Rohingya crisis is very important. All must make concerted efforts to ensure safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.