The second Pyithu Hluttaw’s eighth regular session held its15th day meeting in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, debating a motion on fighting against terrorism in Rakhine in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Law in attempts to prevent terrorist attacks in the state.
The motion submitted by U Thaung Aye of Pyawbwe Constituency has urged the government, in cooperation with international organizations, to crack down the ARSA terrorists who attacked Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017 and to prevent further terrorist attacks especially in Rakhine State as part of efforts for peace and stability, and the rule of law in the state.
Discussing the motion, Lt-Col Ye Min Oo, Tatmadaw Representative, said Myanmar’s sovereignty is under threat from terrorists as the United Nations and other international organizations have made an attempt to intervene the internal affairs of Myanmar by citing groundless news and information. The current situation in Rakhine State demanded special measures to systematically respond to alleged accusations in the state, to restore the rule of law and to prevent further terrorist attacks in the state, said Lt-Col Ye Min Oo.
“It is urgently required a national security strategy which can guarantee the security to the live and property of the people, the sustainable development which can bring about perpetuation of the national characteristics,’ said Lt-Col Ye Min Oo.
The Tatmadaw representative continued to say that it is required to review the Defence White Paper, which was released in 2015, in accordance with the constitution to be able to adopt a national security strategy as part of efforts for restoring the sovereignty which was violated in Rakhine State.
Afterwards, Daw Pyone Kathy Naing of Kalaw constituency discussed, “Terrorism makes a threat to national security based on humanitarianism and basic human rights.
“We understand that it is needed to safeguard the intervention of great Powers by means of strategic diplomatic cooperation,” said Daw Pyone Kathi Naing, “In order to maintain stability and sovereignty of the state, it is very important to tackle the root of the problem.”.
As for the small countries which are weak in military and economy, it is hard to resist the international influence, without taking legitimacy and the rule of law into consideration, she added.
“All can cooperate with the incumbent government in making efforts for the rule of law without doubt,” said the lawmaker.
Regarding the motion, U Saw Tun Mya Aung of Papun constituency, U Aung ThaungShwe of Buthidaung constituency, U Hla Tun Kyaw of Maungtaw constituency, Daw Khin Saw Wai of Yathedaung constituency, Dr. Maung Thin of Meiktila constituency, Tatmataw representative Lieutenant Colonel Toe Lwin, Tatmataw representative Major Kyaw Min Han, Tatmataw representative Colonel Tun Than Ohn, U Aung Kyi Thein of Chaungzon constituency, U Thein Tun of Kyaunggon constituency, U Oo Hla Saw of MyaukU constituency, U Myint Wai of Gwa constituency, Daw Zin Mar Aung of Yankin constituency, U Pe Than of Myaypon Constituency, Daw Ni Ni May Myint of Taungup constituency and U Bo Bo Oo of Sanchaung constituency discussed it.
Then, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Aung Thu answered that the government formed a Central Committee for the Implementation of Peace and Development in Rakhine State, which is led by the State Counsellor.
In order to achieve success in implementation of peace, stability and development, the four working committees namely Security, Peace and Stability and the Rule of Law Working Committee, Immigration and Citizenship Scrutinizing Working Committee, Settlement and Socio-economic Development Working Committee and Working Committee on Cooperation with UN Agencies and International Organizations have been formed.
The government is working together with international organizations to bring the terrorists who attacked Rakhine State to court while stepping up its efforts for development and restoring the rule of law in Rakhine State.
Finally, the motion was sought for approval by the Hluttaw. The parliament approved the motion.
Reference: GNLM
June 16, 2018