Tens of thousands of Muslims from around 20 villages in Maungdaw District in Arakan State, have fled for safety, following the fierce fighting between the military council and Arakan Army (AA).
Since 5 May, locals from more than 10 Muslim villages in Maungdaw Township, such as Paungzar, Hlabawzar and Gunar villages and around 10 villages in Buthidaung Township, such as Kakyatbet, Alechaung, Donechaung, Myaungnar and Bagonenar villages have fled to safer places for fear of fighting near the villages.
“It is impossible for us to stay in the village when fighting occurs near the village. We are also in danger. So, all the people including children and the elderly people have fled to safer places. Only a very few people remain in the village,” said a displaced person.
There is no fighting near Muslim villages where the people are taking shelter. Muslims are fleeing as they fear that the military council will force them to serve in the military, and the AA has informed them to flee.
A person close to Muslim community said, ÒDuring this week, the AA has urged locals to flee. The AA said fighting may erupt near the villages. The people will be trapped when fighting erupts in town. So, all the people have fled to safer areas.”
The IDPs have not received any assistance due to the shutdown of mobile and internet access in Maungdaw District where fighting is intensifying. They are facing livelihood difficulties and in need of healthcare.
ÒNeither Muslims nor Arakanese people have no safety. Livelihood situations are quite difficult. Maungdaw has more Muslim populations. We can’t think about the long-term situation. Muslims are worried about their daily survival,Ó said a social activist from Maungdaw Township.
Currently, the AA has stepped up its offensive to capture the remaining military camps in Maungdaw District. The military is making fierce resistance, with the use of air, naval and artillery support.
It has been nearly six months since the fighting resumed on 13 November 2023. Now, the number of the locals displaced by the ongoing fighting has exceeded 166,000.
sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
