The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on July 10 that it had investigated several Myanmar nationals for using Singapore as a platform to organise and gather support for armed violence against the government of Myanmar.

"The immigration facilities of those found to be involved in activities of security concern will be cancelled, and they will be deported from Singapore."

Myanmar government has designated Arakan Army a terrorist group

Investigations found that this group was mobilising certain members of the Myanmar community here to support two groups, the Arakan Army (AA) and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA).

According to MHA, the AA has been designated as a "terrorist group" by the Mynamar government.

MHA also cited cases in January and March 2019 where the AA admitted to seizing large caches of weapons from police stations, killing police officers in the attacks, and reportedly abducting members of their families.

Group in Singapore supported the Arakan Army

One of the individuals investigated had a direct relationship with a "key AA leader".

At the leadership's behest, this individual actively mobilised support among the local Arakan community, and coordinated AA’s fund-raising efforts in Singapore.

He also urged the community to contribute to a "National Fund" to help build a credible fighting army, with socio-cultural events of the local Arakan community used to propagate the cause and rally support.

The individuals investigated also contributed financial support to the AA.

Live-stream video urged Rakhine people to fight for independence through Arakan Army's armed conflict

MHA described one event in particular, a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the founding of the AA and the ULA, with attendees wearing clothes bearing the "official AA logo".

Said MHA:

"The event included participants depicting the AA’s armed offensive against the Myanmar Armed Forces’ actions in Rakhine State. Actors were dressed in military uniforms with replica firearms.

There was also a live streaming video in which the leader of the AA urged the Rakhine people to unite, and fight for Rakhine independence through the AA’s armed conflict against the authorities."

MHA stated that it took a very serious view of anyone supporting, promoting, or making preparations to undertake armed violence, regardless of where this will take place, or how the participants ideologically rationalised their actions.

Don't let the bad apples spoil the bunch

MHA added that foreigners living and working in Singapore have to abide by its laws, and they should not import their domestic political issues here.

However, MHA also pointed out that the large majority of Myanmar nationals in Singapore have contributed to the country and are law-abiding.

"We must be careful not to let the actions of a few individuals taint the positive contributions of the rest of the community, who live harmoniously amongst us."

Top image from MHA's Facebook and Pixabay.