Rakhine State Parliament has approved a proposal calling for the establishment of an investigation team comprising representatives from government, parliament and social organizations to enquire about civilian casualties caused by fighting in Rakhine State through voting.

The motion was tabled by MP Tun Thar Sein from Mrauk-U Township on September 19 and discussed by four MPs. Despite opposition from military representatives, some MPs supported the proposal.

Up to August 29 this year, 80 civilians died and about 120 were injured. Some people died not in battlefield but in their homes because of falling artillery shells, MP Tun Thar Sein said.

Speaking in opposition to the proposal in parliament, military MP Colonel Min Thu said: "This proposal comes as a consequence of armed conflict. Solving the problem by finding the root cause is more effective rather than addressing consequences. We need to act based on objective conditions. But I oppose this motion because we will not get correct facts under current circumstances."

MP Tun Aung Thein from Buthidaung Township called on the Rakhine State government to find the truth and ensure accountability as some civilians died at home.

"I think the government needs to make sure who is accountable for civilian deaths. Only then will we be able to know the truth. The Rakhine Sate government was elected by people. This is why they are most reponsbile. They have already pledged in parliament that they will protect the people," said Tun Aung Thein.

The proposal was then approved by parliamentary voting.