Arakan Army renames Minbya and Pauktaw towns with historical names

The Arakan Army has renamed Minbya and Pauktaw towns in Rakhine State with historical names, erecting new town signs on 28 July, according to local sources. Under the new designations, Minbya has been renamed “Anjanapura” and Pauktaw is now “Virathani.” A Minbya resident said the Arakan Army (AA) “fired a seven-gun salute when erecting the new town sign. Since ‘Anjanapura’ is an ancient historical name, locals view this as reclaiming our region’s historical heritage.” A Pauktaw resident said “Virathani” reportedly means “City of the Brave,” adding that the renaming has generated significant local interest. Residents said there is growing public interest in the revival of historical names across AA-controlled territories. Of Rakhine State’s 17 townships, the AA currently controls Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw,Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Ann, Toungup, Ramree, Gwa, and Thandwe, as well as Paletwa Township in Chin State, where it is establishing administrative machinery. The AA has yet to capture Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Manaung in Rakhine State, with intense clashes ongoing between the two sides in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe.