The military junta is forcibly expelling residents from four villages near Sittwe in Arakan State, demanding that they leave within three days, according to local sources.
Local residents report that on 8 December, the junta summoned village administrators and village leaders to a meeting in Thein Tan, Yar Tan, Kyar Ma Thauk, and Nar Yi Kan villages, and warned them to evacuate the villages.
“On 8 December, the military council called a meeting with village administrators and told the remaining villagers to leave within three days. They said residents could move to the town if they want, or go wherever they chose. The villagers still don’t know where they will go,” a local resident said on condition of anonymity.
According to village residents, junta troops have been occupying these villages and are now expelling the residents. While most villagers had already fled to liberated areas, leaving behind only a few staying as house guards, now everyone is being forced to leave.
A man who was expelled from Yar Tan village said that civilian homes in the evacuated villages are being destroyed by junta troops and their allied Muslims.
“When we fled, some men remained as house guards. Now they are being expelled from the village, and I don’t know where they will go. In villages where there are no people left, the junta soldiers, together with Muslims, is destroying houses. In some deserted villages, not even houses remain,” he explained.
Since the intense Arakan conflict, the junta has expelled at least 14 villages in Sittwe Township. The expelled locals are temporarily taking refuge in monasteries in Sittwe and facing significant difficulties with their living conditions.
On 5 December, junta troops also expelled residents from Yae Chan Pyin village, and on 21 November, they expelled residents from Par Da Leik village, according to Sittwe residents.
A local Arakanese human rights observer commented: “Now that Maungdaw has fallen to the Arakha Army (AA), the military council is preparing for military operations in Sittwe. It appears they are clearing the areas along the routes through which the AA troops can march. But, forcibly relocating these villagers without accountability is a human rights violation.”
According to reports, the military junta is intensifying military preparations in Sittwe Township and transporting military personnel via naval vessels from the mainland. Currently, they have completely surrounded the state’s capital Sittwe, preparing defensive positions and confining local residents solely within the city.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)