ARSA Marks 9 October as Rohingya Defence Day, Pays Tribute to Fallen Fighters

In a statement released on its official website and X account @ARSAARMY_HQ, ARSA paid tribute to those who lost their lives and those who continue to face hardship. The group extended special remembrance to its Commander-in-Chief, Hafiz Ata Ullah Abu Ammar Jununi, describing him as a leader who stood firm against oppression and called for a future in which Rohingya people could live with security, dignity and justice in Arakan State of Myanmar.

ARSA described the day as a moment of collective remembrance for the Rohingya community. The statement said the group would not forget those who sacrificed their lives or the courage of those who have continued to stand for Rohingya rights. It framed the occasion as part of an ongoing struggle against what it called continuous persecution and genocide by the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA).

The organisation noted that the Rohingya community is currently facing what it described as a new and more severe wave of persecution under the control of both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. ARSA reaffirmed its commitment to the pursuit of justice and freedom for the Rohingya people.

The full statement is available on ARSA’s website at arsaarmy.org.

Rohingya Monitor notes that 9 October has previously been marked by ARSA as a significant date in its history. The group’s statement comes amid ongoing conflict and displacement affecting Rohingya communities in Arakan State and the refugee camps in Bangladesh.