2,000 more people flee villages to escape military atrocities in Rakhine

Narinjara News,  22 July 2022

The ongoing military tension between the Arakan Army (AA) and Burmese Army personnel in Rakhine State has compelled about 2,000 people to leave their villages under Rathedaung township.

The fleeing villagers leave their places like  Pyar Chaung Gyi, Alay Chaung and Tun Raway, which are located about a few miles east of Rathedaung, which is 20 miles north of Rakhine State capital city of Sittwe.

“The scared  villagers have left for  Laygan, Awada, Kyauk Son araes in the last few days.  Now, both the armed forces are confronting nearby places,” said a local villager.

But some villagers are still in their places even though the Burmese soldiers have been stationed in different locations  of the town. However, many left for safer places, said a Rathedaung resident.

Till this month, some  60,000 people were taking refuge in various camps as they left their villages following the clashes between the AA and Burmese forces. Lately the number of refugees has increased as 2000 more people abandoned their places.

"Many of the villagers went to safer areas and some arrived in IDP camps. A lot of villagers tried to  find space in their relatives' houses in other places for the time being,” he added.

Presently, they are facing difficulties in arranging necessary food items.

The tension in Rathedaung started following a military column entered into the AA controlled Pya Chaunggyi village on 18 July.

The army column patrolled on the western bank of Pyar Chaung Gyi bridge and they blocked the entrances to the town. It scared the villagers and apprehending another round of gunfighting  between the AA and Burmese soldiers the families left their villages.

The army personnel also entered in a monastery in Rathedaung, where many IDP camps are located. Many refugees also left their camps out of fear.

Currently, two navy vessels have anchored in Mayu river near the mouth to Rathedaung creek. The navy personnel continue checking local ferry boats and the travelers, informed a resident.

After the  18 July gun battle between the AA and Burmese soldiers the situation remains tense. Many villagers have been arrested by the military personnel in the last few days.