Dated: November 2, 2001
In the recent weeks following the terrorist attacks of September11, 2001 in the United States, there have been several news reports which have suggested possible links between terrorist organizations and Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) and National United Party of Arakan (NUPA), leading groups for Arakan Independent movement.
On September 2000, recognizing the need for unity between Arakan’s two majority communities of Rakhine and Rohingya, the NUPA and the ARNO formed the Arakan Independence Alliance (AIA). The AIA seeks an indivisible independent Arakan where all its people enjoy freedom, equality and peace without regard to race, religion or culture and an Arakan which has peaceful and mutual beneficial relation with its neighbors.
Based on this aims, the AIA reiterates its condemnation of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The AIA calls on the international community to root out terrorism in all its forms, including terrorism practiced by a state as well as by individuals and groups.
In Arakan, the Burmese military regime known as SPDC (State Peace and Development Council), has practiced state terrorism on all its people, including ethnic cleansing by way of Burmanization, forced marriage and religious persecution. In addition, SPDC and other like minded organizations have attempted to exploit the September 11 tragedy by further fanning the flame of anti-Muslim sentiment through attempting to link Muslims active in the Arakan independence movement to terrorists.
As opposed to the SPDC, the AIA does not support terrorism of any kind. All activities of the AIA are focused on our Arakan and the liberation of our homeland.
Joint Committee
Arakan Independence Alliance
Arakan