An interview with a local man from Pauktaw, who was evacuated by the Arakan Army (AA).
Since November 16, there has been a fierce battle between the military council force and the Arakan Army (AA) in Pauktaw Township of Arakan State. The military council is using ground, air and naval forces in the fighting.
Hundreds of residents are trapped in the fighting, and many are held hostage by the military council. The AA is trying hard to evacuate trapped residents of Pauktaw. So far, more than 300 residents have been evacuated by the AA.
The Development Media Group (DMG) interviewed a 57-year-old man who was evacuated by the AA on 21 November, about the status of the battle, those trapped in the battle and what the military council is doing in Pauktaw. (The interviewee’s name has been omitted for security reasons.)
Q: I want to know about your experience of being trapped in the war.
A: On 16 November, we fled to Lawkahtakepan pagoda to take shelter as the military council conducted airstrikes and fired heavy shells into the town. As we were hiding in the pagoda’s platform, the soldiers and policemen headed to the pagoda. They carried out indiscriminate shootings. That’s why, four people died in front of me. When the soldiers saw us, they ordered me to raise our hands and came out. Soldiers said if the people don’t raise their hands, they will shoot the people.” And they asked, “Are there any AA members?” After asking that, we were forced to gather at the pagoda Dhammayone. Then we were detained there.
Q: Please explain what happened next.
A: We were not allowed to go out on the day we got arrested. We were separately allowed to bring clothes and food the next morning. The men were asked to get food from the market and the women were asked to cook food. Soldiers seized all mobile phones and other valuable properties. They also seized all gold wears from women. When we went to our ward, there were no people. Soldiers have taken position at the entries, exits and houses. More than 120 people were arrested at Lawkahtakepan pagoda.
Q: May I know the situation of those killed and wounded in the shootings?
A: Among those who were arrested with us were those wounded by the soldiers’ shooting. A child who was shot in the hip needed to undergo an operation. The child was unable to undergo operation as the hospital was closed. The officials of the hospital said they did not know when the hospital reopened. The four people who died in front of me are two women aged over 30, an elderly person and a monk. The soldiers themselves buried them the next day without us.
Q: How did you survive during the battle when you got arrested?
A: I only heard the sound of shootings as I was in Dhammayone. I could not see it. When we heard the shootings, we were crouching in the Dhammayone. The children were afraid and cried when the military council fired heavy shells and carried out aerial bombardments. We could not sleep at night. All children and adults lived in fear. We had to stay in Dhammayone for five days. On the day I was released, there were bullets falling from the plane near the Dhammayone.
Q: How did the AA evacuate the trapped people? Did you know the AA will rescue them?
A: I don’t know the AA would rescue us. There was a big fight before we escaped. There is a door behind the Dhammayone where we were detained. We came out of that door. The AA members said, “Don’t be afraid, we are here to evacuate you.” When we came out, we saw the bodies of soldiers and police members. The AA evacuated us via the west side of Lawkahtakepan pagoda.
Q: Are there still people trapped in the town? What is the situation?
A: There are still people trapped in the town. In addition, there are still residents who were arrested at the agriculture office and the city hall. The soldiers do not allow them to go outside at all. I heard that there are wounded people in the city. I don’t know the exact number of the wounded. Among the people who escaped with me were some people who got slight wounds.
Q: Are you comfortable at the current place?
A: Now I am taking shelter at a monastery. They (military council) have seized my money and mobile phones. I face livelihood difficulties. I have to rely on others’ assistance.
Q: What would you like to add about the battle?
A: The people are in great trouble due to the battles. So, it’s good if there’s no battle. Also, I want people like me who are locked up to be released as soon as possible. Thank you for taking the time to answer.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)