- Web Master
- April 12, 2024
She told Narinjara, "Junta soldiers are frequently
spotted in Angumaw lately. Of course we are scared. We worry about the return
of more fighting, something that has already affected our lives significantly.
Now we are contemplating finding a safe haven in case we need to escape, as we
fear the potential for renewed conflict”.
Locals have observed an increasing number of Navy vessels
belonging to the Military Council in recent days, sailing along the Kaladan
River, moving from Sittwe to Ratheduang.
A local resident expressed that, given the apprehension
surrounding the Military Council's activities, some individuals residing in
rural areas are contemplating relocating to safer urban areas as a precaution
against the possibility of renewed conflict.
"As far as I know, almost everyone in Yokethar village
has already left. People from other villages are also making plans to evacuate
in anticipation , reaching out to contacts in towns. It's better to act
proactively before things get worse”, he suggested.
In Kyauktaw Township, starting from November, the Military
Council's food convoys have become more active, and residents report observing
vessels carrying food along the waterway as well.
Meanwhile in Rathedaung, local sources informed Narinjara that
the Arakan Army (AA) has advised residents to prepare in advance by digging
bomb shelter pits.
"AA is warning that households failing to dig bomb
shelter pits, will face fines. It makes sense that they are pushing for
mandatory pit digging, as not doing so could lead to life-threatening
situations down the line. However, they should also consider that some people
may not be able to afford the fines”, a local said.
In northern Shan State, the Three Brotherhood Alliance,
including AA, has initiated a potent and forceful offensive named 'Operation
1027' against the Military Council. As a result local residents are concerned
that the relatively calm situation between AA and the Military Council in
Rakhine State may once again escalate into fierce clashes.
"In Munaung, it's clear that the Military Council is
attempting to gather information from people moving in and out of the town.They
have also intensified surveillance and monitoring, not only of activists, but
of regular civilians as well”, a Munaung resident noted.
In Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung,
Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Munaung townships in Rakhine State, there has been a
notable surge in the Military Council's operational activities in recent times,
and local sources report that activists are facing heightened surveillance and
monitoring.
In August 2022, fierce clashes between the AA and the Military
Council resumed in Rakhine State. Nevertheless, an informal ceasefire agreement
was established on November 26th, 2022, and up till now the ceasefire is still
in effect. Based on information gathered by Narinjara, 46 civilians lost their
lives, while 89 were injured, and 9 houses were destroyed by arson attacks in
Rakhine State during the four-month period of fighting between AA and the
Military Council from August to November 2022.