- Web Master
- May 28, 2024
After five months of resurgent conflict, the internally
displaced persons (IDPs) in Rakhine State are experiencing difficulties with
food shortages.
A woman, who fled to a village under Ponnagyun township from Min
Gan village under Sittwe township, said that some IDPs escaped with just
one piece of cloth. They now reside in tents on barren land and fields,
sharing food among themselves. However, due to the prolonged conflict, they are
encountering serious food shortages.
"Some individuals, who can afford it, are renting houses in
villages, while most of us live in tents. Recently, the tarpaulins were
blown away due to the rain, as we reside in the fields. Some women brought only
two pairs of clothes. Some fled with their children. A few of them are
resorting to begging because they lack sufficient food supplies. Even those who
fled early are facing hardships. The situation is even tougher for those who
escaped later," she added.
According to a list, released by the Arakan Army (AA) on 29 February, there are
more than 300,000 IDPs across Rakhine State following the eruption of conflict
between the AA fighters and Myanmar military junta forces since 13 October
2023.
The conflict has persisted for over five months now, leading to significant
hardships to IDPs in various townships.
According to local social activists, the townships with the
largest numbers of IDPs include Sittwe, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw,
Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Ann, Kyaukphyu, and Taungup.
A young man engaged in social relief work from Ponnagyun said, "We
encounter beggars in our vicinity. The seasonal rain brought strong wind
that made it very difficult for those in tents and residing under trees.
We have to appeal for donations (tarpaulins) to rebuild the shelters."
The women and children are suffering from malnutrition and urgently need access
to healthcare (as women lack menstrual pads), he asserted.
The civilians and IDPs are being killed and injured by the
junta’s airstrikes on residential areas, even where there is no ongoing
conflict. Many children also died.
Moreover, following the junta's imposition of conscription law, the residents
are fleeing from townships including Sittwe to avoid military harassment under
the law. So the number of IDPs is only increasing.