March 28th, 2022
The refugees face a shortage of rations as the military council has suspended the delivery of rice aid to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Arakan State.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement under the military council has suspended rice aid for the officially-recognized IDP camps in MraukU, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Myebon and Yathaedaung Townships since one or two months ago, according to the IDPs.
Daw Hla Yaaing Oo, an IDP told the DMG: “We really face a shortage of rations as Wartaung IDP camp in Minbya Township has to rely only on rice provided by the military council. We are unable to repay the loans taken to buy food. We have to sell our belongings. We all are in chaos.”
Ma Khin Saw Nwe, an IDP from the Industrial Zone IDP camp in Ponnagyun Township said: “We have to work outside as we no longer receive rice. I have around Ks-5,000-Ks-6,000 per day. We have to live on a shoestring. This amount is not sufficient for a meal as I have many family members.”
U Nyo Thar Oo, an in-charge from Piyin IDP camp in MraukU told the DMG: “The IDPs face difficulty as they no longer get rice. They have to solve their problems by borrowing money and selling their belongings. It is impossible for them to cut firewood in the forests as soldiers are present. Some IDPs earn their living by driving three-wheel motorbikes. The poor are not ok as they have no job.”
U San Htwee, an incharge from Ohnyaypaw IDP camp in Sittwe Township said: “At present, the military council no longer supplies the IDPs with rice. I have to buy rice and other rations on credit as I have spent Ks 16,000 provided by the WFP on the repayment of debt.”
When phoned by the DMG about the situations, U Thurein Tun, Director of Arakan State Natural Disaster Management Department was unavailable for comment.
Many people were displaced by the fighting between the Myanmar army and the AA in Arakan State. Over 60,000 IDPs are unable to return to their homes although there is no fighting.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)