Narinjara News,  22 July 2022

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

The fleeing villagers leave their places like  Pyar Chaung Gyi, Alay Chaungand Tun Raway, which are located about a few miles east of Rathedaung, which is20 miles north of Rakhine State capital city of Sittwe.

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

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

Till this month, some  60,000 people were taking refuge in various campsas they left their villages following the clashes between the AA and Burmeseforces. Lately the number of refugees has increased as 2000 more peopleabandoned 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 inother places for the time being,” he added.

Presently, they are facing difficulties in arrangingnecessary food items.

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

The army column patrolled on the western bank of Pyar Chaung Gyi bridge andthey blocked the entrancesto the town. Itscared the villagers and apprehending another round of gunfighting  between the AA and Burmese soldiersthe families left their villages.

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

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

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