Muslim Community Breaks Administrative Barriers — First Muslim Deputy Township Administrator Appointed Under Arakkha Rule

 

Deputy Township Administrator, La La Mya (photocrd)

In a landmark development under the Arakan Army (AA)’s new governance structure — referred to by supporters as “Arakkha rule” — a Muslim man, U La La Mya, has been appointed as Deputy Township Administrator of Buthidaung Township in the Maungdaw District. 

At 59 years old, U La La Mya is said to be among the first Muslims to hold a senior government–level administrative post under the AA-led administration. His appointment marks a significant shift from past practices under previous governments — where Muslims were largely excluded from civil-service or leadership roles, in part due to restrictions associated with the 1982 Citizenship Law. 

Before assuming this administrative role, U La La Mya worked as a private tutor and community leader for decades. Starting at age 19, he taught in villages across Maungdaw Township and later took on local village-level administrative and community responsibilities. 

According to reports, following the AA’s consolidation of control over Buthidaung and Maungdaw in 2024, the new administration has begun appointing Muslims to government roles — including in general administration, law enforcement, and intelligence — across the district. 

For many in the local Muslim community, U La La Mya’s appointment represents more than just a job — it’s a symbolic recognition of their rights to representation and participation in governance after decades of exclusion. As he said upon assuming office: “In the Arakan motherland, there are eight ethnic groups. Among them, people serve in civil-service positions… We will live here too. That’s why we also have responsibilities.”

https://www.globalarakannetwork.com/post/first-muslim-administrator-appointed-under-arakkha-rule