Many locals from Sittwe welcomed Dr Aye Maung, who was released under amnesty, on February 18, sources said.

He was sentenced to a long prison term for high treason and incitement and released on February 12 after about three years in prison.

“Dr Aye Maung has been accepted as leader of the people here. Locals who respect and love him from other townships including Yathedaung, Ponnakyun and Buthidaung came to welcome him,” said a local from Sittwe.

About one thousand people welcomed him at Sittwe airport.

“I felt that Rakhine has a situation which is good for the future. I think it is on the path in which all Rakhine people want. I will think of how to continue my political way by covering all aspects. I will follow the principles set by the party in the next election. We will work together,” he said in a meeting with the media at his home in Sittwe.

Dr Aye Maung resigned from the Chairman of Arakan National Party (ANP) and is leading a role to establish Arakan Front Party (AFP).

Former Lower House MP Dr Aye Maung and writer Wai Hin Aung were charged with Section 122 and Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code, and Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Associations Act after giving speeches at a literature talk to mark the 122nd anniversary of the fall of the Rakhine kingdom to the Konbaung dynasty held at Yathedaung on January 15, 2018. They were freed from the indictment under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Associations Act.

“Although he is released from the prison, he signed a pledge that he will serve his remaining prison term if he breaks the laws again. I felt upset about it,” said Aung Than Wai.