Since the resumption of war in Arakan State on 13 November, the military council has blocked roads and water routes. As a result, more than 100,000 locals have fled to safer places.
Due to the military council’s road blockages, the Arakan people face a shortage of ration, medicine and fuel. The prices of the remaining stocks are skyrocketing. The Development Media Group (DMG) interviewed the new and existing displaced people from the IDP camps about difficulties and challenges.
Daw Thar Nu Phyu (Tainnyo IDP camp, MraukU Township)
I no longer receive food aid. I have to collect the grains in the harvested paddy fields as I have no money to buy rice. I have to live on a shoestring as the commodity prices are very high. Despite the ongoing fighting, I want the authorities to open roads and allow international organizations to provide aid. If it’s like this, the IDPs will die of starvation. If they can’t die, they will have to earn their living by stealing.
U Hla Maung Kyaw (Nyaungchaung IDP camp, Kyauktaw Township)
The availability of food ration is difficult day by day due to the road blockages caused by ongoing fighting. Because there is no rice. Some families have to eat less. They don’t have jobs. So, they work as day laborers in paddy fields. Commodity prices have gone up. I have never seen edible oil and chili. I don’t know how to go ahead. We only want to request that international organizations be allowed to provide assistance.
Ma Aye Aye Khaing (Taungminkalar IDP camp, Kyauktaw Township)
I don’t receive aid. The commodity prices are rising. So, I am worried about daily survival. I have no job. I want to harvest rice. However, there is no job. As food became scarce, there were even thefts in the camp. Pregnant women in the camp are having a hard time giving birth. In more than a month of fighting, up to four children have died due to birth defects. That’s why I want the closed roads to be reopened for the people.
U Phyu Thar Aung (Upper Myathlae IDP camp, Ponnagyun Township)
Since the war, I have received rations from WFP for two months. However, that support is not sufficient due to the current commodity prices. Some families have no rice. They have to borrow money from friends. If this war goes on for a long time and the roads are blocked, the IDPs shall only have to starve to death.
Daw Ma Than Soe (Zaydipyin IDP camp, Rathedaung Township)
Livelihood is difficult for everyone. So, the men are harvesting paddy in the fields to earn money. Women have to collect grains. Those who don’t have husbands are having a hard time. I can’t go to the forest to search for food. There are many people who cannot eat rice, edible oil, salt and pounded fish paste. They even eat less. There is no security. If there is a fight, there is no way to run.
Sent by Aung Htain (DMG).