The junta authority is reportedly distributingpropaganda leaflets (pamphlets) in various IDP camps in Rakhine State tomotivate the refugees to return back to their villages.

"Somepeople came to the camp and distributed the leaflets. I did not meet them but Icould read a leaflet which was found in my grandmother's room. Similarleaflets were distributed in earlier occasions too,” said a refugee inMrauk U camp.

Thoseleaflets are understandably distributed by the military council's nationalcommittee on resettlement of internally displaced persons and closure oftemporary refugee camps.

Thecommittee emphasizes on closing down all temporary refugee camps after ensuringthe safety of displaced families and finally resettling them in a dignifiedmanner.

Thesocio-economic development after achieving peace and progress is also emphasizedas it’s essential for the national unity, democracy and federalism of Myanmar.The pamphlets urge the refugees to live peacefully among their communities.

Butwhen the military authorities are insisting on the return of refugees to theirplaces, they are raising various concerns with their return.

Mostof the refugees are not interested to return home as they apprehend anotherround of gun fighting between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army members.Moreover, they are scared of mines and remnants of war in their localities,which are yet to be removed.

Soonafter the military council and AA leaders agreed for a ceasefire in November2022, several IDPs were forced to return to their places under the townships ofPonna Kyunt, Mrauk U, Kyauk Taw and Maebon with very minimal support.

Accordingto the junta reports,  25,474 households (comprising 109952 people) were repatriated to theirplaces in Kachin, Karen, Rakhine, Shan and Chin States from March 2021 to June 2023.

Variouscivil society organizations reveal that there are over 60,000 IDPs in theRakhine townships of Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Mrauk U and Kyauk U, wherethe refugees show their reluctance to return home without a planned procedureby the authorities.