The National League for Democracy (NLD) party issued a statement on October 21 in which they demanded the immediate release of three NLD members and said Arakan Army’s (AA) activities may become a big obstacle in the peace process of Myanmar.
The statement said that AA had made a statement on October 19 that they had abducted three NLD party election candidates, together with a photo of NLD candidates. In the attached photo and statement, AA stated in English that they caught NLD candidates namely Ni Ni May Myint, Min Aung and Chit Chit Chaw, “red handed”. These NLD candidates didn’t violate the election law. They were abiding by the rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports and at the Phaungkha village for election campaigns. According to the witnesses, they were physically abused such as slapping, kicking, and the abductors hit them with guns, tied them up like criminals, swore and cursed at the NLD candidates and forced them to wear clothes over their heads. Even if they were treated badly, they tolerated their abductors ’rude behaviors with calm.
Since the establishment of NLD, the party has firmly decided to find peaceful ways to solve internal conflicts, and to establish Myanmar as a federal union. Since the NLD has taken its office, 21st century Panglon summit were held several times. In the 4th Panglon summit, it can approved mutual agreement which can pave the way for federal democracy system.
The terrorist AA statement is one sided and biased and their activities may become a big obstacle in creating the peace process of the country. NLD demanded immediate release of three NLD candidates.
In the statement of AA issued on October 19, they said, they are interrogating the candidates, and if the government releases the detained students (arrested for protesting), they will release three NLD members.Ni Ni May Myint, Chit Chit Chaw, and Min Aung who are standing for the upcoming general election for Lower House, Upper House and Rakhine State parliament seats in Taunggup were abducted by AA on October 14.
