The Arakan Army (AA) has reopened the Jame Mosque in Maungdaw, Rakhine State, which had been closed for 13 years. AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing visited Maungdaw on August 30th and held discussions with local Rohingya residents. The decision to reopen the mosque came following requests from Rohingya community leaders during these meetings.
The Jame Mosque was closed during President Thein Sein’s administration following conflicts that erupted in 2012. The reopening ceremony on September 12th was attended by over 300 people, including Rohingya religious leaders, AA officials, members of Rakhine ethnic groups, and media representatives. The event marked a significant moment for the local community, ending a 13-year period during which the mosque remained shuttered.
This reopening represents an effort to build better relations between communities in the region. The Arakan Army has expressed its commitment to protecting the religious freedom and cultural rights of local residents. The mosque’s reopening is expected to promote harmony and mutual understanding among the local population. The event demonstrates a significant shift in local governance and community relations, with the AA taking steps to address long-standing religious and cultural concerns in the region.
