Over 1,000 people fleeing the war in Thandwe in Arakan State are facing difficulties in getting food because the military council has cut off transportation, said the persons helping the IDPs.
Due to the closure of transportation routes connecting the villages along the Thandwe-Taungup road in the north of Thandwe Township, they find it difficult to get food. The newly arrived IDPs are facing even more difficulties, said those helping the IDPs.
“Over 700 IDPs are from Gaw village and the rest from the villages near Sin Gaung village. We cannot buy rice and edible oil as the military council has blocked all routes. The people from downtown find it difficult to help the IDPs. They’re afraid of being arrested as the military council can arrest them for allegedly supporting the AA,” said a person helping the IDPs.
These IDPs are those who were evacuated by the Arakan Army (AA). They are taking shelter in the villages in Shwe Hlay station. Among the IDPs are Gaw, Sin Gaung, Nyaung Chay Htauk and Kha Maung Tone villages.
“The IDPs in town are doing well. We cannot help the IDPs in Shwe Hlay station. The army has blocked the roads. It is impossible to reach the place via Taungup. It is difficult as we cannot import food supplies. The army is closely monitoring aid organizations. We may get arrested. We don’t dare do it,” said another person helping the IDPs.
The military council has blocked the routes connecting the villages in Shwe Hlay station in Thandwe Township. The waterways passing through Kin Maw village and Myong Pyin village at the exit of town have been blocked. In other places, the army has tightened the inspections with mobile checkpoints.
Donors find it very challenging to deliver aid due to frequent airstrikes and heavy shell firing by the military council’s naval ships.
There are 16 displacement sites in Thandwe Township, including Shwe Hlay station, where more than 1,900 local residents are taking refuge.
Sent by Narinjara