The military council has forcibly relocated no fewer than 14 villages, where most of the residents are Arakanese people, in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, and has taken up positions in these areas, according to local sources.
The junta has currently deployed troops in the villages located on the border with Rathedaung and Ponnagyun Townships including Yae Chan Pyin, Ohn Yae Hpaw, Kywi Te Paik Seik Shey, Kywi Te Paik Seik Gyi, Kywi Te, Aung Daing, Kyet Taw Pyin, Pa Lin Pyin, Thin Pone Tan, Pyar Lay Chaung Ywar Haung, Pyar Lay Chaung Ywar Thit, Maung Ni Pyin, Amyint Kyun, and Byaing Phyu.
A woman who had fled from Pyar Lay Chaung said: “There are no villagers left in Pyar Lay Chaung. Some villagers were arrested. Now the junta troops have taken positions in the village. They have dug trenches outside the village. This is the latest information I have. I have heard that the situation is the same in other villages as well.”
According to local sources, between 9 and 14 June, the military junta relocated 12 of these villages, including Yae Chan Pyin, to the downtown areas of Sittwe The junta has also reportedly ordered the relocation of Amyint Kyun village by 26 June.
“The junta has ordered the villagers to move out no later than 26 June. We don’t know where we are supposed to go yet. We will have to move out anywhere if the military council soldiers come and force us to do so. If we don’t move out, we fear something like the Byaing Phyu village incident might happen to us,” said a resident of Amyint Kyun village.
After the 29 May massacre of nearly 80 people in Byaing Phyu village in Sut Yoe Kya Ward in the outskirts of Sittwe, the junta evicted the residents and occupied the village.
On 22 June, junta troops entered Amyint Kyun and rounded up around 60 residents, including children. They have been held incommunicado since their arrest. Currently, the villagers have fled to nearby villages for safety.
According to the 2019 data from the Township General Administration Department, Sittwe Township has 27 village tracts and 88 villages. More than 40 of these villages, including Maung Ni Pyin, Thin Pone Tan, Chaung New, Kyet Taw Pyin, Aung Daing, Ywar Thit Kay, Nar Yi Kan, Kywi Te, Kyar Ma Thaut, and Amyint Kyun, are inhabited only by Arakanese people. Now, 14 of these villages have been forcibly relocated by the military council.
Currently, residents of some villages in Sittwe Township have reported fled to the villages in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, and Pauktaw Townships, which are now under the control of the Arkan Army (AA).
A woman from a relocated village said: “We have been here for about half a month now. With so many people, living conditions are difficult. We are struggling with food and other basic needs. Back in our village, we could at least find food one way or another.”
The residents of the villages first relocated are currently taking refuge in monasteries in Sittwe such as Dhamma Rama, Wibitzawardi, and Sit Ke, as well as other locations. They are facing hardships as the military council provides no food aid, while the situation makes it difficult for social organizations to offer assistance.
Sittwe residents say they are living in fear due to increased security measures and arrests by the junta throughout the city.
A local man from Sittwe said: “The military council has tightened security. They are also arresting locals. They are doing whatever they want. People are even afraid to leave their homes now,”
Political analysts say that the junta’s relocation of villagers from surrounding areas into the city is a concerning situation, possibly intended to use them as human shields in case of an AA offensive.
“The military council is suffering military losses and fears an AA offensive on Sittwe. AA could launch an offensive at any time. The junta could potentially use these villagers as hostages. If fighting breaks out, it is worrying for the locals.”
Several battalions of the military are based in the Arakan State’s capital of Sittwe, such as the Regional Operations Commands, Infantry Battalions 20, 232, 270, Light Infantry Battalions 344 and 354, along with Police Battalions 12 and 36. The junta has also reportedly laid mines around the city.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).