According to the Rakhine State Association of Persons with Disabilities, about 500 civilians in four townships in Arakan State – Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya – have become disabled during the conflict between the military junta and the Arakha Army (AA) that has been going on for over nine months.
The disabilities were caused by airstrikes, artillery and small arms fire, landmine explosions and blasts from unexploded remnants of war, resulting in physical, hearing and visual disabilities.
Ma Htwe May, General Secretary of the Rakhine State Association of Persons with Disabilities, said: “Most of the disabled people are physically disabled. There are also some with hearing and visual impairments. And there are also people who are disabled due to fire damage to their bodies.”
According to the organization’s records, there are 230 disabled people in Mrauk-U Township, 129 in Minbya Township, 90 in Kyauktaw Township and 47 in Ponnagyun Township, making a total of 496.
(These figures are based on the organization’s outreach and may be higher than stated due to communication difficulties on the ground.)
There are also a significant number of people who have lost limbs during the conflict in other townships in Arakan, but according to the organization, it is difficult to collect data due to transportation challenges, including telephone lines and internet connections.
A man from Kyauktaw Township who was disabled by the landmine blast said, “There is no work. I can’t work myself. I have to rely on my parents for food. I have to rely on people to get help.”
Those who have suffered disability during the conflict face numerous challenges in all areas of life, including mental and physical impacts. They also struggle with financial difficulties due to the high cost of living.
A disabled woman from Ramree Township said, “There is no support at all during this time. Everything is difficult. It is difficult to move from one place to another alone. We need help. Both mentally and physically we are struggling. It is more difficult than for a normal person.”
There are some voices calling for more support and assistance for disabled people during the conflict as it is more difficult for them to make a living. They need both mental and physical support to cope with the difficulties they face.
A human rights activist said: “We can’t ignore the needs of these disabled people. We have to be considerate of their situation. Right now, we have to help them in any way we can. We have to take care of their mental and physical needs. Families should also understand them and support them without resentment”
According to the 2019 Inter-Censal Survey, there are over 500,000 people with disabilities in Arakan State, and the number of disabled people continues to rise during the conflict.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)