As the military councilblocked the transportation routes in Rakhine State, which led  to theshortage of food items in the camps of  internally displaced Muslimpersons, has finally pushed them to the brink of starvation.

"We are in a diresituation at this moment. The price of essential commodities, including ricegrains, has increased to a sky high level. Now we are unable to  buyimportant commodities like rice, oil, or salt. The shortage of rice grains hascaused significant hardships," said a refugee from Kyauktalone camp inKyauk Phyu township.

A woman from KyauktaloneMuslim IDP camp informed Narinjara News that since 13  November, when thefighting resumed in the Rakhine region,  the military council blocked boththe land and waterways and it  caused a heavy price rise for essentialcommodities.

"Lately we have not received stipends from the WFP. We are surviving  with broken riceand the fish becomes out of our affordable items. Our food options are now confined to radish, water spinach, and roselle. Providing snacks to thechildren in the morning hours becomes difficult for us. My husband has lost hisjob and he started using a motorbike sidecar. With the roads being closed, hebecomes unemployed again. Even arranging a meal with a single curry becomes atough job for us,” she added.

In the Nget Chaung IDP campof  Pauktaw township, the refugees used to rely on Sittwe and Pauktawtownships for food supplies. However, with the current road closure, prices of various  goods are escalating. There is a growing concernthat the camp will face a severe crisis of  food items in the coming days.

"Livelihood becomes anextremely difficult affair here. If food supplies are not maintained within thenext week, the refugees will  starve.  The entire State is facingdifficulties. Eighty percent of the population can afford a meal per  day.There is no chili. Regarding the curry, we can have only  water spinachitems. I can't even grow vegetables outside as we are not allowed to leave thecamp. Now that the fighting is going on, the camp leaders have prohibited usfrom going outside,” he explained.

Likewise, in the Sin Tet MawIDP camp of Pauktaw township, a woman refugee stated that they wereencountering numerous problems.

"The stipends providedby the WFP did not arrive last month, and not this month as well. Rice pricesare high, and hence  we are facing  hardships. It becomes difficult for us to access the healthcare facilities," she added.

Furthermore, a woman from Thet KaePyin IDP camp in Sittwe township revealed that they  are  running outof rice grains at home. The price of essential goods is increasing. If you fallill and lack financial resources to collect  the medicines, it may bringhorrible days for you. Even pregnant women are deprived of  medicalattention, she claimed.

Due to the renewed conflict,the military forces have  blocked both the land and waterways, resultingin increasing difficulties not only for the local population but also  IDPcamps.