An interview with Ko Aung Aung, who is assisting with the affairs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), about the challenges faced by IDPs in Kyaukphyu Township.
There has been no major battle in Kyaukphyu Township of Arakan State, which hosts large billion-dollar projects, except for frequent skirmishes between the military council and the Arakan Army (AA). However, it now appears that the two sides have prepared for the full-scale war.
As a result of the military council’s airstrikes, naval shelling, and ground raids, approximately 13,000 residents from over 20 nearby villages, including the quarters, have been forced to flee to safety.
The displaced locals are facing significant livelihood challenges due to limited aid, scarce employment opportunities, and rising commodity prices.
Development Media Group (DMG) interviewed Ko Aung Aung, an official from the IDP Aid Committee in Kyaukphyu Township, regarding the challenges and difficulties faced by the displaced persons (IDPs).
Q: Currently, what is the number of IDPs in Kyaukphyu Township, and how many camps are they residing in?
A: According to data released by the Humanitarian Assistance and Development Cooperation Office (HDCO), the number of IDPs in Kyaukphyu Township is approximately 13,000. Due to safety concerns for the IDPs, it is difficult to disclose the specific displacement areas. However, there are currently 13 displacement camps in Kyaukphyu Township.
Q: As far as we know, there hasn’t been a major battle in Kyaukphyu, yet the number of IDPs is increasing. Why is this happening?
A: The increase in the number of IDPs is due to the military council’s indiscriminate shelling, unnecessary raids on villages, and random drone attacks. It is extremely dangerous to be near the military columns, and it is impossible for the IDPs to return to the villages being targeted by the junta’s forces. As a result, our committee is working to address the challenges faced by these IDPs.
Q: What are the main difficulties and challenges faced by the IDPs?
A: What is urgently needed right now is food. Another critical issue is access to medicine. Our IDP Aid Committee is providing free healthcare services to the displaced people. As many of you know, we are facing internet connectivity issues. In the past, we managed to overcome these problems with the support of Arakanese social organizations abroad. Additionally, the Arakanese community has reached out to help resolve these issues. However, the military council has now blocked the routes, and the internet shutdown has made it difficult for the IDPs to access medicine. Therefore, what is urgently needed at this time is food and medicine.
Q: Can you tell us about the challenges faced in assisting IDPs?
A: The Emergency Support Committee for IDPs (Kyaukphyu) is working tirelessly to help address the issues faced by IDPs. We are providing assistance to the displaced people at every stage of life, from birth to death. However, one major challenge is the scarcity of medicines, as the prices of food and medicine continue to rise. Our biggest difficulty, however, is a lack of funds. Our committee is facing financial hardships due to the loss of contact with organizations abroad caused by the internet blackout.
Q: As the military council has blocked roads in Arakan State, social organizations are not allowed to work freely. What is your comment on this situation?
A: This is a challenging time for everyone, and we understand that. However, our situation is even worse, as it is the organizations working to alleviate the struggles of many people that are facing the most difficulties. Despite this, we have done our best to help address the issues. The regional security situation is hard to assess, but we are providing assistance to IDPs based on the circumstances we face.
Q: Currently, there are military tensions between the two sides in Kyaukphyu. What are the main concerns of the local residents regarding this situation?
A: On the ground, the military council is deliberately targeting villages with heavy weaponry. Some residents have been killed by the intense shelling in Kyaukphyu Township. At present, the military situation remains unclear, but the rise in the number of IDPs can be attributed to the military council’s unnecessary raids, heavy shelling, and drone bomb attacks. The local residents are deeply concerned, as they are forced to flee during this difficult time. When we listen to their feelings, many express a strong desire to return to their homes. They want the war to end as quickly as possible and do not want to continue living as IDPs.
Q: As someone who is currently assisting IDPs, what would you like to share about the displaced people in Arakan State?
A: We are working tirelessly on the ground to address the difficulties faced by the IDPs. Behind all this effort is financial support. With the funds we receive, we are able to assist in alleviating their hardships. However, since the internet shutdown, we have faced numerous challenges in providing healthcare to the IDPs. Despite these difficulties, we continue to find solutions. For example, the cost of treating a birth patient, which was previously around 250,000 kyats, has now risen to between 450,000 and 500,000 kyats. In the past, social organizations and the Arakanese community abroad have supported our committee, and we are truly grateful for their help. We kindly request that they continue their contributions, as only with this support will we be able to continue helping the IDPs effectively.
Q: Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)