Narinjara News, 26 May 2024

Thenumber of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in areas under the control ofArakha Army (AA) has now exceeded 500,000 and there is an urgent need forsanitary items for the women and children. Rice, oil, salt, medicines and othermaterials become necessary, said a statement issued by the AA.

The United League of Arakan/Arakha Army (ULA/AA) has been fightingfor national liberation hand-in-hand with the people of Rakhine. In thisstruggle, the civilians near battlefields have sought refuge in the AAcontrolled areas to avoid getting caught in the crossfire and finally ensuretheir safety.

The AA statement also stated that the ULA/AA was making everyeffort to safeguard the  IDPs regardless of their races or religions.

Currently,the number of IDPs seeking shelter in AA-controlled areas has increased to500,000, out of them around 200,000 take shelter in Buthidaung and Maungdawtownships. Nearly 80% of them are Muslims. The rest comprises Arakanese andother minority groups, added the statement.

As the rainy season approaches, the IDPs will need additionalitems like sanitary supplies for the women and children, besides regularcommodities including rice, oil, salt, medicines, etc.

 The international organizations, charity groups, NGOs andwell-wishers are being appealed to support the refugees.

Amidst the chaos observed in politics as well as military,religion, terrorism, etc, many individuals and organizations are portraying thesituation according to their interests even dismantling the truth. The AAstatement assured that they will serve the people based on principles andobligations.

TheAA urged international organizations and media outlets to conduct afact-checking practice to understand the ground reality and avoid makingone-sided allegations based on misinformation and disinformation.

Thestatement emphasizes cooperation with the ULA/AA, as they are actively servingand safeguarding the people.  The only way to contribute to the peacefulcoexistence of different ethnic groups and help build an equal society, theULA/AA should be strengthened through more collaboration.

As many junta soldiers stationed at tactical operation command,division, and battalion headquarters in the Rakhine region have abandoned theirposts and they are still running with weapons, the AA urged them to stayvigilant. Considering the junta's frequent use of indiscriminate artillery andairstrikes on populated areas and IDP camps, it also advised for  extracaution and staying informed about various safety measures.