More than 300,000 locals from Arakan State’s townships except Thandwe, Munaung, and Gwa have been displaced by the third resurgent fighting between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army, according to a civil society group which provides assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“They have been staying with relatives and in nearby villages. Some are also staying in monasteries and schools. As fighting is now taking place in more towns, the number of IDPs is also increasing. With the increase in the number of IDPs, it has also become more difficult to get food,” said an official from the IDP aid group.
The armed conflict between the military junta and the AA, which resumed on 13 November, marked two years on 13 January.
In the two months of fighting in these townships, the number of IDPs has risen to around 300,000. Together with IDPs from previous conflicts who are still unable to return home in other Arakan’s townships and Paletwa Township in Chin State, the total IDP figure is now close to 360,000, according to the group’s data.
The military has restricted land and water routes, making it difficult for international organizations and local groups to provide assistance to the IDPs.
A displaced woman from Pauktaw Township said: “After we had to leave our home, life is very difficult without proper food and shelter. We have to ask others for warm clothes. To reduce the cost, we have to cook meals without chilli.”
IDPs are currently at risk of death due to a lack of medicines and timely treatment, as well as financial difficulties.
On 5 December last year, a pregnant displaced woman from Nga Tauk Tu Chay village in Rathedaung Township died during childbirth, along with her baby, due to the military’s blockade, according to locals.
Also on 14 December, a 17-year-old youth from Pauktaw died of constipation and fever because he could not receive medical treatment in time.
Given such conditions, locals say the military should allow freedom of movement on humanitarian grounds.
A social worker from Kyauktaw said: “There is no relief work in our area. Not only is the military council’s social welfare ministry not doing its job but the junta has also blocked the groups that actually want to help.”
The IDPs urgently need food and other emergency assistance for survival as the conflict area between the AA and the military continues to expand, and IDP numbers rise daily, according to reports.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)